THE HS2 line through Lymm could cause old salt mines in the area to collapse according to a new report.

The research, published by engineering consultancy Terra Consult, identified five sites near Lymm where the risk of mines caving in was red and fourteen areas where it was amber.

Lymm councillor Ian Marks (LD) said the report has left residents even more worried about the high speed rail project.

He said: “This is frightening and I first read about it in last Sunday’s press. The route through Cheshire has already been changed to avoid salt mines but why has it taken until now to find out about the risk in Lymm?”

The route of the line was altered last year following a consultation with residents and has now been moved a further 300 metres away from Culcheth and will spare Taylor Business Park and Culcheth Linear Park.

The rolling stock depot, which was planned to be built on the Golborne spur, was also moved to a site near Crewe.

But many residents still object to the plans and council leader Cllr Terry O’Neill said it would be ‘all pain and no gain’ for the town.

Cllr Ian Marks said: “We welcomed the move of the rolling stock depot from Golborne to near Crewe.  This removed one of the reasons for having the link to the east of Warrington.

“People have differing views about the merits of HS2, but most people object to this link.

“We think it is a waste of money and will have a detrimental effect on the environment in our village.  HS2 claims the link is needed to access routes to the north and Scotland.”

He added that Lymm parish council supports Warrington Borough Council’s campaign to upgrade the existing rail line to Crewe and improve Warrington Bank Quay station.

Cllr Marks said: “This alternative would have the big advantage of linking in with the proposed east to west so-called HS3 route and support Warrington’s role in the Northern Powerhouse.

“I just hope this new finding will persuade HS2 Ltd to think again and avoid the eastern route through Lymm and Culcheth.  Safety is of over-riding importance and HS2 should now get behind Warrington Council’s upgrade proposal.”