A HIGH speed rail link to the north west could become ‘ the train to nowhere’ according to a Labour councillor as they spoke out over the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

At a full council meeting on Monday Labour councillors called into question a statement from Liberal Democrat councillors that plans for a high speed rail link to the north west showed the Government’s commitment to creating jobs and prosperity.

Clr Linda Dirir said it could become ‘the train to nowhere’.

It was part of a motion put forward by Clr Alan Litton (LD - Great Sankey South) calling on support for the new high speed rail network linking the south to the north west, which could have a boost on the town’s economy.

But Labour Group leader Clr Terry O’Neill questioned the Government’s commitment following the review two weeks ago.

Clr O’Neill (LAB - Burtonwood and Winwick) said: “You can’t say this Government has a commitment to prosperity when they are making £81 billion worth of cuts. Hundred in this council will lose their jobs, they predict more than 100,000 people will be unemployed in the north west. We cannot support the motion with that paragraph in.”

He added that the party were in favour of the high speed rail link but could not add their support to the Government.

Clr Litton told the meeting at the Town Hall that the impact on Warrington would depend on which line was chosen as if it were introduced to the south of the town it could offer more benefits than north of the town.

He said: “Services from Warrington to London running almost the entire journey on high speed rail would cut it down to one hour to one hour and 15 minutes long.

“If a spur is considered to the West Coast Mainline there may be scope for an interchange station in Warrington. It could strengthen Warrington’s position in the Liverpool/Manchester economic corridor.”

Clr Bob Timmis added: “Anything that makes it easier for managers to travel from the south of England to the north will make it easier for them to set up new business here.”

Clr O’Neil had put forward an amendment to remove the line praising the Government but was defeated. The final motion was approved but Labour councillors and Lib Dem councillors Graham Welborn and Judith Wheeler abstaining.