New proposals developed by HS2 Ltd and National Highways announced yesterday have come under fire for suggesting moving Junction 6 of the M56 to the southwest.
HS2 has been widely controversial since its inception, but HS2 developers have proposed new revisions which they say will tackle some of the issues raised.
The proposal suggests relocating Junction 6 of the motorway to increase access to the combined HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail station at Manchester airport.
Developers of the high speed train say this will reduce congestion on the local road network and any long-term impacts on local communities, as well as help boost the economy in the North West.
Tim Smart, the managing director of HS2’s phase two programme said: “The new combined HS2 and NPR station at Manchester Airport will deliver a major boost to the North West’s economy, and we believe there’s further potential for growth if additional capacity is created on the surrounding road networks.”
However, the new proposal has come under criticism from Stop HS2 members. The plans have been slammed as a guise for building an ‘airport shuttle’ to Manchester, as well as for being a misuse of public money in a time of nationwide economic crisis.
Steve Colclough, a member of Stop HS2, said: “Clearly an attempt to suggest the Tories care about “levelling up” the North at a time when they are under daily criticism for just about everything.
“Chucking something out there that suggests this is a benefit for the flat cap greyhound racers is total spin and deflection. The only levelling that HS2 does is level down the ecosystem, communities and mental health.”
“HS2 is a monster that destroys, not creates.”
Diane Alborghetti, also a member of Stop HS2, said: “An absolute disgrace, our NHS is on its knees and the government is throwing money into HS2 for a train that gets you to London a bit faster, and the fares will obviously be too expensive for most.”
HS2 Ltd said it has begun the process of contacting those who would be directly affected by this change and will take into consideration the concerns of those affected by it when it is formally submitted in Parliament later this year.
