DESPITE homeowners’ fears, estate agents in Culcheth are optimistic about the impact of HS2 on house prices in the area and are urging residents not to panic about the new rail route.

Staff at Courtyard Estate Agents are keeping a close eye on plans for the high speed link after the route was changed in November and attended a public meeting with HS2 representatives on Tuesday.

The train had been due to run through the Taylor Business Park in Risley and within 500 metres of around 500 homes in Culcheth.

But after residents objected to the plans during a consultation, the line was moved a further 300 metres away from the village and will spare the business park and Culcheth Linear Park.

However, it will affect businesses and homes on New Hall Lane, Glaziers Lane, Wigshaw Lane and a small area of Warrington Road.

Victoria Barlow, area manager for Courtyard, said: “Your property is one of the biggest investments that you are going to make, so people’s worries are very genuine.

“But it’s important to stay positive. HS2 is going to bring more people to the north, which is going to increase house prices.

“We are putting houses in the area on at market value. There’s been lots of buyers in the past three years who have brought new homes near HS2 regardless.

“But being completely honest to buyers about it is important.”

A compensation scheme is in place for homeowners affected by the route and reimbursement for businesses will be assessed on a case by case basis.

However, people buying a new home which they know is near the HS2 line will not be entitled to compensation.

Victoria added: “It’s the unknown that brings house prices down. There are positives to HS2 too, it’s not the end of the world. If you are worried, get some advice from an estate agent.”

For more information about HS2 and compensation visit hs2.org.uk.