THE Government minister in charge of the HS2 rail project is coming under pressure from Tatton MP Esther McVey to meet with residents affected by the scheme.

Ms McVey says she has been told that HS2 staff are ignoring questions posed by concerned residents, despite their worries being submitted through the dedicated resident helpline.

She has written to Rail Minister Andrew Stephenson demanding he lift the lid on any changes to phase 2b of the line from Crewe to Manchester, after she said the latest document suggested huge changes compared with a 2018 document.

Ms McVey said: “I have opposed this line from the very beginning and do not want to see it happen. It is a complete waste of money, and if Covid has taught us anything it is that people do not need to have faster journey times to London, that money would be better spent on improving digital connectivity to ensure villages and more rural parts of the country are not left behind.

“It is absolutely appalling that residents most affected by this proposed line are being ignored.

Northwich Guardian:

Esther McVey MP

“I have been contacted by the parish council, Cheshire Against HS2 and many residents who are struggling to get answers from what is supposed to be a residents’ helpline.

“Verbally residents were told changes were minimal, but going through the document it is clear there are many disparities.

“They came to me and said it now seems the extent of additional work is very significant. We need transparency. Residents deserve answers and I will do everything in my power to ensure they get them.”

In her letter Ms McVey set out a list of questions she said residents wanted answered, ranging from the implications for residents outside the compensation zone, safety issues, the significant increase in land area required for construction and the health impacts on Lostock Green.

Ms McVey added: “Residents want a manager from HS2 to visit Stanthorne and Wimboldsley to see the extent of destruction HS2 and the Rolling Stock Depot will have on communities, and for their questions to be answered, which is a very reasonable request.

“Communities are rightly concerned and want very detailed answers to very detailed questions.

“People have taken the time to put together a comprehensive document setting out their concerns, which I have forwarded to the Rail Minister and I expect him and HS2 bosses to have the courtesy to reply to the individual points in detail and not be dismissive of their concerns.”