Residents, businesses, stakeholders and supporters from across the UK have been thanked for their support - backing Crewe's Great British Railways bid during the public vote. 

The public vote for where the GBR HQ should be located closed on Monday (August 15).

This competition was intended to show the level of support for each of the six shortlisted places and will be considered as part of the final decision making. 

Residents, businesses, stakeholders and supporters of Crewe's bid from across the UK have been thanked for their support (Ben Wye).

Alongside Crewe, Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York were also shortlisted – after 42 towns and cities across the country applied.

Great British Railways is the public body that will run the railways from 2023.

The people of Crewe – as well as from across Cheshire East, the wider region and the country as a whole – are now being thanked for their fantastic support during the voting.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "It's never been in doubt that rail is at the heart of Crewe but over the last couple of months we have certainly proven it.

"Everyone you speak to has voted for Crewe and more so, our residents have been our best asset in making sure other people have as well.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran (Cheshire East Council).

"Seeing so many people excited about rail, our heritage and also the opportunities for our future has been a real breath of fresh air.

"No matter what the result, I hope this can be the start of something special, as we continue to shout about everything Crewe has to offer.

"To everyone that has voted, I want to extend a huge thank you – you really have done Crewe proud."

The result of this vote will be used to measure the level of public support for each location. 

The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), will consider this as part of final decision making.  

Deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Craig Browne (Cheshire East Council).

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "It's been a whirlwind few weeks as we've looked to rack up as many votes as possible for Crewe, and also hosted our ministerial visit.

"We couldn't have achieved all we have without the help of our community, businesses and stakeholders.

"The likes of Crewe Alexandra Football Club and its supporters, Crewe Town Council, Pete Waterman, The Market Hall, Freightliner, Locomotive Services, the Heritage Centre and Avanti, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, Cheshire and Warrington LEP and many more have all been vital to this process.

"I'd like to extend my thanks to them.

"While the public vote has now closed, our work does not stop here as we will continue to push the case for Crewe to the Government and show why we are the best choice for GBR."

Rail minister, Wendy Morton MP, with Cllr Craig Browne (left) and Cllr Sam Corcoran (right) at her visit to Crewe (Cheshire East Council).

Last month (July 15), rail minister Wendy Morton MP, visited Crewe as part of the ministerial visits to all the GBR HQ shortlisted locations.

Despite Crewe being the smallest settlement left in the running for the GRB HQ, the Conservative MP told Nub News the town's population size doesn't limit its bid.

Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: "Thank you to everyone who has got behind the bid and cast their vote. 

"We're determined to bring opportunities to Crewe that will help level up the town and Great British Railways would certainly do that.

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan is proud of everyone who backed the town's GBR bid (Crewe Nub News).

"There is so much here already in terms of rail expertise and infrastructure that GBR would be able to collaborate and thrive if it came to Crewe.

"I look forward to hearing the result later this year."

The Secretary of State for Transport is expected to make a public announcement regarding the selected location later this year.

As well as the result of the public vote, the Secretary of State will take the selection criteria and the understanding gained from the ministerial visits into account. 

Crewe is the only North West England location left in the running for the GBR HQ (Paul Howes).

For more information about Crewe's bid click HERE.

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