GOVERNMENT bosses have confirmed the route of HS2 which will connect Crewe with Manchester and the remainder of the West Coast mainline.

Support has also been given to the 'concept of a new Hub Station' located on the site of Crewe's existing station and not the Basford site option which proposed in an earlier consultation.

New plans unveiled today include an HS2 rolling stock depot north of Crewe at Wimboldsley, which could see the creation of up to 150 jobs.

However, Cheshire East Council said the site could create 400 jobs.

HS2 Ltd say the route will 'significantly improve journey times, reliability and connectivity between the North West, the Midlands and London'.

Journey times between Crewe and London Euston will be shortened to 50 minutes.

The go-ahead of the 51-mile Phase 2b Western Leg route will provide the North West with a new high speed rail spine for trains travelling to new HS2 stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, and connections from Crewe.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: " HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and the Government is seizing the opportunity it offers to build a transport network fit for the 21st century; one that works for all and makes clear to the world that Britain remains open for business.

“The full HS2 route will be a game-changer for the country and in particular will significantly improve connectivity between the Midlands and the North to boost economic growth.

“But while it will bring significant benefits, I recognise the difficulties faced by communities along the route. They will be treated with fairness, compassion and respect and we intend to introduce further compensation which goes over and above what is required by law.”

Edward Timpson Crewe and Nantwich MP Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: "HS2 will open up South Cheshire to international business, by providing the extra rail capacity and speed from London that we so badly need. This will only mean more jobs for local people, including at the new rolling stock depot announced today.

"We have the rail skills and service industries here to make HS2 a continued success, both during construction and beyond, and the space and desire to accommodate new industries that want to benefit from this all-important connectivity.

"I have been working very hard in Westminster to make the case for an HS2 hub station at Crewe, and to speed up the project, so to be told that the concept of an integrated hub at Crewe is still being supported six years earlier than planned is positive news indeed."