A CHESHIRE MP says the Crewe-Manchester leg of HS2 ‘must not be the sum of all ambition’ for rail in the region.

Mike Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, hit out as the bill concerning the northern section of HS2 received its Second Reading in Parliament.

The MP supports HS2 but understands criticisms given the billions poured into the project despite general under-investment.

He said: "For example, Northwich Railway Station collapsed last year.

"It’s a miracle nobody was killed. And the long-standing issue of the far platform being inaccessible to disabled people won’t be resolved even after it’s rebuilt.

"Many of my constituents understand the benefits of HS2.

"But when we have station roofs collapsing and disabled rail users excluded from public transport, they’re not wrong to question why so much money has been made available for HS2 when so little has been invested in our local rail infrastructure.

"And without functional stations, affordable fares, and regular services – particularly to Crewe - my constituents simply won’t reap the economic benefits of HS2. Yet they will have to endure the impact of years of construction and permanent changes to the landscape."

The MP added: "I’ve noted with interest the financial projections for this leg as being up to £22 billion in 2019 prices, and the project as up to £98 billion – something that needs updating in the light of current inflation.

"Given these extraordinary costs, and on behalf of my constituents, I make clear that HS2 must not be the sum of all ambition for North West rail."

Mr Amesbury notes Cheshire West and Cheshire East councils share disquiet about lack of engagement with communities and difficulties in gaining information. For example, geotechnical concerns have been raised about the proposed route, particularly with respect to local salt mines.

Calling for improved communication over the benefits of HS2, the MP commented: "What about spelling out how many good, local, unionised jobs this will create? What about how much freight it will take off our roads and onto rail? What about local businesses being involved in the supply chain?

"We need to shine a light on these important aspects and not allow speed to be the dominant issue."