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Businesses and residents across Cheshire and North Wales are being urged to have their say on the Government’s plans for Crewe station – to make sure the area isn’t left behind when HS2 is built.

Delegates at a Business Growth North Wales Conference were told how the development of a major HS2 Hub at Crewe will be a ‘critical connection’ to boost businesses across the North West and North Wales.

Ashley Rogers, Chair of the North Wales and Mersey Dee Business Council and a member of the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force, highlighted the importance of the proposals currently under consultation for the development of a major HS2 Hub at Crewe’s existing station.

This could give Crewe and the surrounding regions better access to conventional and HS2 rail services.

The Growth Track 360 campaign and supporters highlight that only Scenario 3 as outlined in the current proposals for the Crewe hub will enable the infrastructure needed to deliver real benefit.

This scenario would increase access to HS2 and connectivity to Manchester & Midlands.

This plan for the HS2 Hub would see it service seven HS2 trains per hour each way, linking up to the West Coast main line, Manchester, and Birmingham – and unlocking routes across North Wales.

Mr Rogers said: “A connected Crewe is key and we look forward to a thorough consultation which takes these issues into account and delivers the rail infrastructure our communities and businesses need.

"I’d like to encourage everyone here today to take the time to review the consultation documents and add their voices to the calls for a connected hub at Crewe, so that we can ensure that HS2 delivers real economic benefit to Cheshire and North Wales.

"Without a real hub at Crewe, I struggle to see any benefit to the cross-border region from the £55 billion investment in HS2.”

UK Government Minister for Wales Guto Bebb MP said: “The improved connections between North Wales, northern England and the Midlands that HS2 will bring can help deliver significant economic benefits to communities on both sides of the border.

“There is strong backing from businesses in Wales for a Hub at Crewe, and I support this vision.

“However it is important that we identify proposals which provide value for money to the taxpayer.

"I urge everybody with an interest to get involved in the consultation and tell us what you think.”