BOSSES behind HS2 are showing no signs of a rethink over the proposed route after being urged to scrap it.

The plans would see the construction of a viaduct across the Manchester Ship Canal, which campaigners say would directly impact on the east of Hollins Green.

But Labour’s borough council candidates for the Rixton and Woolston ward – Chris Vobe, Andrew Hill and Pat Wright – have pledged to continue the fight against the proposals.

In a joint statement, they said: “We are dismayed that, despite opposition from committed residents, thriving businesses, our MP, parish councils and the Town Hall, the Conservative Government are blindly proceeding with their plans for HS2, which would devastate the historic communities of Hollins Green and Glazebrook.

“Our position on this is clear: the economic case has not been made and the construction of a viaduct would irrevocably change our community for the worse.”

The three candidates also say it is easy for big issues such as HS2 to be ‘brushed under the carpet’ due to matters like Brexit dominating the news.

They added: “But that is not satisfactory for people who cannot sell their homes and who face the prospect of a devastating development on their doorstep.

“That is why our commitment to hold the Government’s feet to the fire on this matter is steadfast – we will continue to work with action groups to press the case and take the lead locally in making the strongest possible argument for the proposed route to be scrapped.”

But HS2 Ltd insists the £55 billion plus high-speed railway, which is due to be completed in 2033, will deliver major benefits to the town.

HS2 Ltd is the company responsible for developing and promoting the UK’s new high speed rail network and is funded by grant-in-aid from the Government.

It is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Transport.

A spokesman said: “HS2 trains will serve Warrington which will reduce traffic congestion, improve journey times and create jobs to boost economic growth.

“In partnership with Transport for the North, we are building the infrastructure needed to enable faster and more frequent services to Liverpool, Manchester Airport and Manchester Piccadilly from Warrington.

“We understand people are concerned about the impacts of building HS2 and will continue to work with communities who have a huge role to play in helping us design and build the best possible railway.”