THE route for the Phase 2b of HS2 will have a ‘devastating’ impact on Wimboldsley, it has been said following the route confirmation this week.

The route, announced on Monday, will see the high speed rail line go from Crewe to Manchester, dissecting Winsford and Middlewich and going straight through Whatcroft, 200 yards from Whatcroft Hall.

It will carry on north from Whatcroft, crossing the A530 King Street near to the Morrisons Distribution Centre and Penny’s Lane, before running alongside the A556.

Antoinette Sandbach, MP for Eddisbury, said: “I recognise that the decision on HS2 made by the Secretary of State will have devastating effects on the community in Winsford and Wimboldsley.

“I will continue to work closely with all those residents affected to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

“It is also vital that the correct mitigation is provided going forward. I would urge any environmental experts to come forward over the coming months to give their views on the impact the route will have.”

The effects on Wimboldsley will come about due to the confirmed 4km-long depot that will be built next to Wimboldsley Primary School.

“It just couldn’t be worse for Wimboldsley,” said Graham Dellow, of the Mid Cheshire Against HS2 campaign group.

“The depot was originally going to be in Golborne, but then they decided for some reason to move it to Wimboldsley and the scar that this is going to permanently leave on rural Cheshire is unbelievable.”

Carina Armstrong, Wimboldsley Parish Clerk, told the Guardian that the depot would mean the end of the parish in its current form.

Carina said: “We as a parish are totally devastated. We are devastated mentally now and we will be devastated physically. The parish will be split and we will lose residents. It would be the end of the parish for us.”