CHESHIRE East Council has welcomed a significant milestone in bringing HS2 to Crewe.

The HS2 Phase 2a Hybrid Bill has today (Thursday) been granted Royal Assent, which gives the go ahead for the construction of the part of the HS2 railway network between Birmingham and Crewe (known as Phase 2a).

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "This is a hugely important milestone and brings with it the powers and government commitment to bring high speed rail to Crewe and move to the construction phase.

"HS2 is a strategically important project and will drive increased business confidence to invest in Crewe.

"This will create opportunities to not only enhance the town of Crewe, but also the wider borough through the jobs, services and improved opportunities it can provide."

The Bill's passing comes as the Cheshire East pushes forward with multiple projects to transform Crewe with the aim of ensuring the town is read for HS2's arrival. These include the proposals for the Crewe Hub Station and improvements to the local road network,

Cllr Browne added: "We are also continuing to progress key projects such as the North West Crewe Package which will start this spring to improve the local road network around Leighton Hospital, while plans for the dualling of the A500 up to Junction 16 are also well underway.

"In addition, we will continue to work with HS2 Ltd on mitigation for those negatively affected by the HS2 scheme."

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for environment and regeneration says major investment in Crewe through the government's Future High Streets Fund and Towns Fund will allow for the delivery of a variety of capital projects.

"We are committed to supporting our local economy to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic and to maximise the significant benefits the HS2 scheme will bring," he said.