RESIDENTS opposed to a HS2 depot being built in Golborne have welcomed a report that recommends the location 'needs further work’.

The report, released by HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins on Monday, sets out his recommendations on the scheme to be considered by the government.

The depot would be part of a link from the HS2 line to the West Coast Main Lane that would see Lightshaw Hall and Bryon Hall demolished and go through a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

Sir David said in his report: “The other issue to be considered is the route between Warrington and Manchester to the existing West Coast Main Line via the Golborne link.

“Considerable concern has been expressed about this proposal, not least the construction of a depot in an environmentally sensitive part of the route.

“In light of that I believe further work is necessary both on the route and the location of the depot, but I believe that a link to the West Coast Main Line will be necessary sooner rather than later as part of the wider consideration of how to improve services to Scotland.”

Clr James Grundy, the conservative representative for Lowton, who has campaigned for the government to rethink the location of the depot has welcomed the plans.

He said: “I am delighted that Sir David and the government have listened on this issue and it is about time that Wigan Council withdrew their support for the current scheme.

“It is not quite as solid as we wanted in terms of them not doing it all but I am happy with the direction of travel.”

Wigan Council leader Lord Peter Smith said he wants to see it being ‘built and running as quickly as possible’ as he believes it will bring ‘significant benefits’ to the borough.

“It will dramatically improve our connectivity, drawing in jobs and economic activity. In addition, it will directly create jobs because there will be a depot in Golborne,” he added.

• WIGAN Council has welcomed plans to build a high speed rail link in the north dubbed HS3.

The council believes it would boost its plans for the borough to become a major transport hub in the heart of the north west if HS3 is given the go ahead by government ministers.

The report, prepared by HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins, endorses proposals put forward by northern cities for improved east-west links, named HS3, to complement the north-south scheme.

Leader of Wigan Council, Lord Peter Smith has praised the report. He said: "Wigan Borough is perfectly positioned to be the north west’s major transport hub and these plans will help us realise that goal.

“Improving transport infrastructure brings significant economic benefits, cutting journey times and increasing connectivity with other regions – ensuring that wealth is spread evenly across the country.

“HS2 alone is expected to create 43,000 new jobs in the North West alone. HS3 would add to these benefits.”

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