COUNCIL boss Steven Broomhead says upgrading the existing west coast mainline for High Speed Two should be considered - as there is little in the current plans to benefit Warrington.

Mr Broomhead, interim chief executive at Warrington Borough Council, spoke out after it was confirmed on Monday that the town had missed out on being chosen as a station for the new high speed service.

To compound matters, the Government plans to install two HS2 stations in Manchester which would see nature reserves in Culcheth, Glazebury and Hollins Green carved up to allow the track to rejoin the mainline at Wigan.

Mr Broomhead said: “At the moment there is very little to benefit Warrington.

“I am of the view that we should also upgrade the line from Crewe to WIgan so that is HS2 compatible.

“Why not do that as well as the current scheme so that we can have our own HS2 stop in Warrington? There could also be a revamp of Warrington Bank Quay station.

“At the moment, we have a service which is under two hours and most people think that is good. My job is to make sure we feel the full benefits from HS2.”

The £32billion scheme is due to open in 2032 and would see trains travel at more than 200mph.