Controversial HS2 Golborne Link scrapped by the Government

The Department for Transport has announced its intention to remove the Golborne Link from the current HS2 Bill.

The scheme received widespread anger from residents and councillors in east Warrington, particularly in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft.

In a statement, the Government says it is committed to exploring alternatives that deliver similar benefits within the £96billion envelope of the Integrated Rail Plan, ranging from upgrading existing infrastructure to brand new high speed links.

The Golborne Link – a high speed rail link connecting HS2 to the West Coast Mainline – is set to be removed from the High Speed Rail Bill following recommendations set out in the Union Connectivity Review.

Undertaken by Sir Peter Hendy, the review claimed that the Golborne Link does not resolve all the current capacity constraints on the West Coast Main Line between Crewe and Preston.

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Following the announcement, Warrington South MP Andy Carter commented: “This is movement in the right direction.

“Since before being elected, I have campaigned to have the Golborne Spur removed from the HS2 plan, so the announcement that the Government will table its own amendment is really good news, and it demonstrates the Government is listening.  

“I know it has been difficult for people living along the route of the spur, and the sooner we can lift all safeguarding the better so that families can get on with their lives.

“Better links through Warrington town centre, with a new high speed route east to west, are needed, along with improved bus services – that is my priority in line with the wishes of local people.”

Warrington South MP Andy Carter (Image: .)

The scrapping of the link has also been welcomed by Warrington Borough Council, which says it supports in principle the Crewe to Manchester section of High Speed Rail, which will ‘benefit Warrington through improved access and connectivity’ to the town.

However, the local authority has equally remained opposed to plans for the Golborne Link.

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said: “We have had concerns about the Golborne Link since the idea was first proposed, and I am therefore really pleased to see that it is now no longer part of High Speed Rail plans.

“We recognise the huge benefits HS2 will bring to the north of the country, providing Warrington with better access and transport links.

“The Golborne Link however has always been a deal-breaker for us. It would have had profound and unnecessary impacts on many of our communities with no discernible benefits for our town.

“We have fought hard for our communities on this issue and have consistently pressed the case for the Golborne Link to be removed.

“I am very pleased that the Government has listened to our representations and that it no longer features in their plans.”

In announcing the removal of the Golborne Link, HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson explained: “HS2 is a once-in-a-lifetime project that will transform travel across the entire UK as we know it.

“It will serve millions of people for hundreds of years to come, and it is absolutely vital that we get this right from the outset. 

“Removing this link is about ensuring that we have left no stone unturned when it comes to working with our Scottish counterparts to find a solution that will best serve the great people of Scotland.”