The HS2 rail project will be a ‘blight’ on Cheshire communities, an MP has claimed.

The Government has announced the latest phase of the scheme, which stretches from Crewe to Manchester.

HS2’s route will see it meander into Cheshire West and travel close to Northwich and Winsford .

Eddisbury MP Antoinette Sandbach was critical of the impact it could have on local people in the House of Commons.

Ms Sandbach said: “The Secretary of State will know that new areas of constituents will be blighted by today’s announcement although other parts of my constituency will benefit from the hub at Crewe.”

The HS2 route through Cheshire

The Conservative MP expanded on her Facebook page.

She posted: “The HS2 announcement for some constituents will be good news.

“The hub station at Crewe has great potential to benefit many constituents.

“However this news will be devastating for residents in Winsford and Davenham who will be concerned at the impact blight and route changes will have on their lives.”

Ms Sandbach invited the Transport Secretary to visit Eddisbury and hear the views of local people who will be affected.

Mr Grayling said: “There’s no easy way to delivery a big project like this without consequences for some people.

“But we will do the best we can to mitigate the impact wherever we possibly can.”

Fellow Tory MP for Weaver Vale Graham Evans , who covers parts of Northwich, had previously backed HS2.

Billions of pounds will be invested in the scheme, which aims to reduce journey times as well as overcrowding.

The phase linking Crewe and Manchester will not be ready until 2033.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling

So-called ‘High Speed 2’ does not feature a link to Chester.

Safeguarding zones have been set out for either side of the rail route which would be protected from development.

Chronicle readers have also been having their say about HS2 on our Facebook page, with the reaction mostly negative.

Ian Southerin commented: “I suggest they start building from north, so when they run out of money we have improved connections between our major northern cities.”

David Owen said: “A huge investment just to gain a slightly less journey time. Why can’t we have more investment in what we have?”

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