Crewe Labour and trade unions express concern as HS2 link north of town scrapped

By Ryan Parker 10th Jun 2022

Crewe councillors and trade union figures have criticised the government's decision to scrap the 'Golborne Link' from the HS2 phase 2b bill.

The Golborne Link was a proposed 13-mile link, branching off the main HS2 line north of Crewe to rejoin the West Coast Main Line.

It was scrapped just 30 minutes before the outcome of the confidence vote in Boris Johnson's leadership of the Conservative Party was revealed.

The government says scrapping the link will save £3bn.

The government has scrapped the 13-mile link to save £3bn (HS2).

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Crewe MP votes against the PM in no confidence vote.

Crewe West Labour Councillor, Connor Naismith, told Nub News: "The delivery of HS2 in Crewe is a key part of the future economic prospects for Crewe.

"It's hard to avoid reaching the conclusion that this is a government levelling down on that ambition.

"Frankly, I am sick of reading about major infrastructure projects delivered over budget in London while we get nothing but penny pinching when it comes to the North."

"The primary benefit of HS2 was never about getting to London quicker, It was always about added capacity on our existing rail network.

Labour councillor for Crewe West, Connor Naismith (Crewe and Nantwich Labour).

"The decision to scrap this link hobbles that main benefit.

"We now need the government to urgently set out an alternative and give us some assurances that this will not impact the number of HS2 stops per hour in Crewe."

Just six months ago, the Golborne Link was included in the Integrated Rail Plan, as well as the HS2 Phase 2b Bill.

This announcement comes six months after the government also dropped its plan to extend HS2 to Leeds.

Alan Coiley, Chair of Crewe's branch of the ASLEF trade union, said: "The Hendry report set up for Union Connectivity actually said consider extending the link to Preston, not scrap it completely.

Alan Coiley, Chair of Crewe's branch of the ASLEF trade union (Crewe Town Council).

"Removing the whole link could undermine the Crewe North Connection and the depots with all the potential jobs.

"The connectivity with the north and Scotland would not be possible if the Golborne link is removed.

"The Government has promised levelling up, job creation for the masses.

"Jobs involved, range from maintenance and cleaning staff for the train to track and electrification maintenance workers, and possibly even train crew and catering."