VOLUNTEERS who adopted a stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal have spoken out against the plans for phase 2b of HS2, which include a rolling stock depot (RSD) in Wimboldsley.

Shropshire Union Middlewich Branch Adopters (SUMBA) say the realigned route and proposed RSD will have huge implications on two miles of canal.

A spokesman said: "Up to 42 200m-long trains will be stored either in or outside the depot building overnight for cleaning and basic maintenance.

"Much of the HS2 line will be on a six-metre embankment and the access lines into the depot over the existing west coast line will be 17m high.

"Canal and River Trust's opinion is that HS2 will affect the tranquility of the branch when the depot at Wimboldsley goes in, as it will be floodlit and create noise 24/7 and ruin good lengths of quiet moorings."

The group urged all views, positive and negative, to be contributed to the HS2 consultation before March 9.