COUNCIL chiefs said they received no advance warning of delays to the controversial HS2 rail project before the announcement was made by the government.

The proposed new national high-speed rail link is made up of three phases including London to the West Midlands, West Midlands to Crewe and Crewe to Manchester - which will pass through West Cheshire between Wimboldsley and to the east of Winsford, Northwich, Rudheath and Lostock Gralam.

But the Department for Transport recently revealed that the Birmingham to Crewe leg would be delayed due to what it blamed on rising inflationary costs. Transport secretary Mark Harper said he was 'committed' to the line. 

Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, highways and strategic transport at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “We will continue to work with HS2 Ltd to fully understand the implications of their proposals to our borough.

“There were no advanced details about the statement from the Secretary of State, which we will now be sharing with our member steering group, comprised of elected councillors which is due to meet on Thursday (tomorrow)."

Earlier this week, Cheshire East Council announced it had withdrawn its petition against the High Speed Rail (Crewe – Manchester) Bill - the piece of legislation required to progress that phase of the scheme - after securing a package of commitments from both HS2 Ltd and the government.

Cllr Shore added: “We are aware that Cheshire East Council have withdrawn their petition.

"We are continuing to negotiate with HS2 Ltd. and will update residents, businesses and communities as soon as is reasonably practicable.

“We have a web page available that includes details about the project plus questions and answers that we will continue to update as new information emerges.”

The council has said it supports HS2, which the government said will  increase rail capacity, freeing up space on existing lines for more commuter, regional and freight services, and relieve overcrowding and improve reliability.

But the  project has been dogged by controversy, delays and rising costs since it was first announced. In 2010 it was expected to total £33bn, that figure has now risen to £71bn.

Further details of Cheshire West's involvement in the project can be viewed here.