THE government’s decision to delay a final announcement on the HS2 route presents a serious danger to Croft, says a borough and parish councillor.

Earlier this month, representatives from HS2 Ltd suggested that the 'spur' which currently sees the line pass through the Culcheth Linear Park and affect homes in Pendle Gardens, Hob Hey Lane and Newchurch Lane could still go ahead despite massive opposition.

But the route of the spur is also still subject to be change and the line could instead be diverted away from the Taylor Business Park and Linear Park – to cut through Croft.

Cllr Vobe said: "The sudden suggestion by HS2 Ltd that the spur which runs through our eastern villages may yet go ahead will be greeted by resounding dismay by people in Culcheth and Croft.

"Now, it appears that there is the prospect of a new threat to our community. HS2 Ltd has implied that the spur may be moved towards Croft, to avoid Linear Park and the Business Park, putting a cloud of uncertainty over exactly where will be affected and what the impact on Croft will be.

"The Conservative Party has already delayed its final announcement on the route. Now we are told that we will have to wait until autumn this year before the Secretary of State makes clear his plans.

"There is now a real and serious danger to the future of Croft village.

"I am not prepared to simply sit back in silence while this blight hangs over us.

"I will be asking the leader of Warrington Borough Council to join me in writing to the Secretary of State for Transport, and demand that he provides clarity over plans for Croft.

"The government is putting our homes and our futures in jeopardy by drip-feeding us hints and intimations in place of fact and certainty."

Cllr Vobe has pledged to raise the issue at the next meeting of Warrington Borough Council.