Trafford council chiefs welcome Manchester to London rail link announcement

By James McLaughlin

Trafford council chiefs have expressed their excitement over a rail link which would slash travel times between Manchester and London to just over an hour.

The first stage of the HS2 High Speed Rail link between the West Midlands and London is due to be in place by 2026, Transport Secretary Justine Greening announced this week.

The second phase of the new 225mph trains will connect Manchester and Leeds to a new Birmingham City Centre station, with the line continuing to a rebuilt Euston station in London.

The northern connection is schedule for completion by 2033, with a formal consultation on second phase routes beginning in early 2014.

Trafford Council has spoken out in support of the plans and the benefits the HS2 link could have on the region.

Leader Cllr Matt Colledge, said: “I am delighted that the Government has announced the first phase of the line will be built.

“This project has the potential to bring Greater Manchester closer to London than ever”

Cllr Colledge added that the council would now be lobbying for a high speed link from Birmingham to the North.

Trafford’s Transport for Greater Manchester representative, Brian Rigby supported this position.

He said: “Now that the first phase has been given the green light, we can work towards securing the high speed connection to Manchester, which would once again affirm Greater Manchester’s position as the economic hub for the North West.”

See below for a video produced by HS2 Ltd on behalf of the Department for Transport.