How has Crewe made the final six for the Great British Railways HQ? Make your vote now
Crewe has made the final six shortlist bidding to become the home of Great British Railways - Nub News investigates how this has been achieved.
GBR will be a new public sector body, overseeing Britain's railways. It is expected to improve rail services for passengers.
Today (July 5), it was revealed that Crewe would be up against Birmingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Doncaster, York and Derby for the home of Great British Railways.
This final six was narrowed down from an initial shortlist of 42 towns and cities across England and Scotland.
The likes of Bristol and Bath, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, Preston and Swindon all missed out.
Members of the public can now choose Crewe for this prestigious honour online HERE.
How has Crewe made the final six?
In March, Cheshire East Council teamed up with Crewe Town Board, Cheshire and Staffordshire MPs, Freightliner Group and Nub News to submit a strong and ambitious bid of interest for Crewe to become the headquarters of GBR.
The bid was heavily campaigned across social media platforms and at Crewe Railway Station, with all partners playing their part to get Crewe in contention for the GRB HQ.
As the campaign gathered momentum, it attracted the attention of MPs across the North West.
In April, Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan secured a debate in Parliament to build support for Crewe's bid to become the home of Great British Railways.
This was backed by by Cheshire MPs Edward Timpson, Fiona Bruce, Mike Amesbury and Chris Matheson.
Fellow Cheshire MPs Esther McVey, David Rutley, Charlotte Nichols and Justin Madders also backied Crewe's bid.
Cheshire East Council was supported by neighbouring Chester West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council for the bid.
Famous record producer and rail enthusiast, Peter Waterman, was another to back Crewe's bid for the Great British Railways HQ.
All of this support attracted the attention of Government Ministers and GBRTT representatives.
What has been said following this news?
Mr Shapps announced that Crewe was in the final six shortlist, saying: "Our world-leading railways have served this country well for 200 years and this is a huge step in the reforms, which will shape our network for the next 200.
"Great British Railways will create a truly sustainable, modern and fair railway network for passengers and freight customers.
"I'm calling on people across the country to play a key part in this once-in-a-generation reform and vote for the new home of our railways."
Leader of the Great British Railways transition team, Andrew Haines, said: "A big congratulations to Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York for reaching the final stage in the Government's competition to find the national HQ for Great British Railways.
"Since the competition was launched it has been great to see the interest from towns and cities across Britain who believe GBR's home should be with them.
"I am really looking forward to the next step and seeing which town or city has the honour of being the home for GBR. Good luck to the final six."
Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan was delighted Crewe reached the final six shortlist to host the new home of Great British Railways.
Dr Mullan said: "Following the submission of Crewe's fantastic bid, I'm delighted we have now been shortlisted. We are now up against five other locations as the potential home of GBR."
"I can honestly say there are few places in the country that are more closely linked with the railway than Crewe and bringing the headquarters here will continue this proud tradition."
"Out of all the locations in the running not only do I think GBR coming here will have the biggest impact on us in terms of levelling up, we offer the best opportunity for GBR to be strategically placed in terms of both passengers and freight in return.
"It will also connect GBR with all different elements of the rail industry and railways management and offers fantastic value for money for the taxpayer."
"We now need the public and community's support in backing Crewe's bid for GBR, not only will this bring levelling up opportunities to the town, but it will also bring jobs and an opportunity for our rail industry to continue to thrive."
"Now we all need to come together to show our support for Crewe's bid and vote yes to Crewe becoming the location for the new GBR headquarters."
Crewe West Labour councillor, Connor Naismith was also thrilled, telling Nub News: "It is such fantastic news that our ambitious bid for Crewe to be the home of Great British Railways has been shortlisted.
"I urge everyone to use their vote to support Crewe and speak to friends, neighbours and colleagues to do the same."
South Cheshire Chamber Chief Executive, Paul Colman, said this shortlist is fantastic news for the business community and a 'tremendous boost' for the entire town.
Mr Colman added: "Crewe is a town created by the railways and justly deserves to be called home to the new Great British Railways headquarters.
"It is famed worldwide as an archetypal railway town linking all parts of the country and remains synonymous will all things rail.
"Our strong rail industry means we have a skilled workforce that is right for GBR but it will take everyone to throw their weight behind this bid and vote for Crewe.
"The Chamber will spread the word across all its business members. We want this for Crewe"
How does the public vote work?
There is now a non-binding, online vote, hosted by The Great British Railways Transition Team (GRBTT).
The public can now choose vote for Crewe online HERE.
This vote will run for six weeks ending on August 15.
Government Ministers and GBRTT representatives will be making visits to the six shortlisted locations.
The result of this vote will be used to measure the level of public support for each location.
The GRBTT will consider this as part of final decision making.
A final decision will be made later this summer.
READ MORE: What is going on with the Crewe Burger King development?
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