TOWN and borough councillors have welcomed the publication of a bill this week which will make Crewe a HS2 hub station.

The HS2 Phase 2a Bill is seen by Crewe Town Council and Cheshire East Council as an important step towards bringing HS2 to ‘transform’ the town.

The Government’s latest high speed rail announcements suggest the Crewe hub could be operational within the next 10 years.

Cllr Simon Yates, leader of CTC, said: “Frequent high speed services stopping at a 21st century station can transform Crewe and the surrounding areas in a way not seen since the Crewe works was originally set up.

“We are glad that the government has re-confirmed in a separate consultation that there will be a hub station at Crewe and that it will be situated at the existing station to take advantage of the six existing lines which radiate out from this strategic and historic interchange.”

“To reap the greatest benefits in jobs and housing for Crewe and the surrounding region, we need frequent high speed services and a station that is a pleasure to use.

“There are many complications because of the way the station and the rail lines have developed over many years. We need to look closely at the detail of the government’s consultation on the Crewe hub, and we will be pressing for the best possible solution.”

Cllr Yates added that the council would work with CEC, the LEP, strategic planners and MPs to address the issue of funding.

Cllr Rachel Bailey, leader of CEC, said: “We welcome the Hybrid Bill for Phase 2a of HS2, from Birmingham to Crewe, being put before Parliament. This is a key milestone for this ‘once in a generation’ rail project, which will see a Crewe hub station opening in 2027.

“This council also welcomes further recognition of the overwhelming case for a HS2 hub station in Crewe.

“We are pleased to see that the Department for Transport has launched a consultation on the Crewe HS2 hub station and related components.

“The council will consider the consultation proposals in detail to ensure our consultation responses reflect the best possible outcomes for east Cheshire residents.

“I would also reiterate that we wish to see the highest standards of mitigation and compensation for those people and businesses affected by the route.”