VOLUNTEERS are required to help establish a new high speed rail liaison group in Warrington.

The group is currently being set up and aims to provide a forum about the proposed introduction of High Speed Two (HS2) in the north west to give the town a strong voice in positively influencing the project.

The group also aims to provide advice to HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other relevant bodies on how best to engage across the borough.

Clr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council, said: “We are committed to making sure that HS2 acts only to boost our economic profile and does not hamper our growth or development in anyway.

"This group will play a very important part in making sure that our community understands the impact of HS2 on Warrington and will represent a strong and positive voice for Warrington when it comes to making our views heard.”

Clr Linda Dirir, executive board member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “HS2 is high on our agenda and facilitating a liaison group is a positive step. The group, and the council, will be closely scrutinising the HS2 plans as they develop to establish the impact they may have on our local communities and at the same time the opportunities that may also exist for the town."

The council is open to requests from representatives of other key groups such as community groups, parish councils and businesses etc and is asking for anyone who lives or works in the Warrington area to give their views on the terms of reference for the group.

The closing date for the consultation is August 31.

If you have any comments about the terms of reference or would like to be considered for membership e-mail Steve Hunter at shunter@warrington.gov.uk.