RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the proposed route of the HS2 train line that will cut between Middlewich and Winsford.

Cheshire East Council wants to know what the controversial high-speed rail link means to its communities to help shape discussions when the consultation period begins.

Council leader Michael Jones has said that the £32.7billion project will bring an economic boost to the borough.

But the route has left many families and businesses anxious about the future.

The HS2 is set to link up with the West Coast Main Line near Minshull Vernon and then veer towards Manchester, passing close to Middlewich and Winsford at Stanthorne and Bostock.

It is also set to run through Wimboldsley.

Ian Jordan, director of HS2 Ltd for Leeds, Manchester and Heathrow, has indicated people whose properties face demolition will be given compensation at ‘fair, unblighted market value’.

Clr Jones said: “While we are delighted the plans will bring a huge economic boost to Cheshire East and the surrounding area, bringing in jobs, investment and stimulating growth, we also understand that some areas will have some serious questions about how it affects them.

“As a council, our job is to listen to the people and make a case to the Government about how we want them to move forward with the HS2 proposals.

“To do this, we want to hear from everybody, whether it be residents, town and parish councils, businesses or anybody else whom the plans could impact upon in some way.

“I expect there to be plenty of feedback, both good and bad. This is understandable and I say to you now, we are listening to you, we will represent you and we will work together to do what is right for Cheshire East.”

The HS2 is expected to take 20 years to complete and would slash journey times between Crewe and London from 90 minutes to 58 minutes.

An official consultation on HS2 will be announced by the Government later this year.

A final decision is expected at the end of 2014 with construction set to start in 2016/17.

Property owners affected by the plans can ask for help from the Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) until April 29.

For details, visit hs2.org.uk

To have your say, visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/hs2 , email hs2enquiries@cheshireeast.gov.uk and fill in the form or call 01270 686022.

You can also let us know what you think by emailing yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk