Transport investment in Cheshire East

In a joint statement, the leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, councillors Nick Mannion and Michael Gorman, said: “For too long we have been relying on Government decisions and investment to deliver infrastructure that will release the full potential of our borough and the wider region.

"The announcement from the Chancellor focusses on investment for combined authorities.

“With devolution on the horizon for Cheshire and Warrington, as part of the Government’s priority programme, transport priorities will be a key catalyst to realise the growth ambitions for our region as a combined authority.

"Funding such as the £15.6bn which has been announced today for combined authority areas will be crucial to that.

“However, we are not there yet, and it is vitally important to recognise that investment in transport infrastructure in Cheshire East and other parts of the country is needed now if we are to truly deliver growth.

“Cheshire East is of course home to Crewe station – one of the most vital hub stations on our rail network for both passengers and freight and boasts 360-degree connectivity.

“We are therefore hopeful that next week’s Spending Review will recognise this and that our ambitions for the Crewe360 hub station, as well as our plans for improved rural connectivity, the Middlewich Eastern Bypass, the A500 and Handsacre to Crewe rail connectivity will receive commitment.”

The statement adds: “For some considerable time now, we have been waiting for a decision on Government funding for Middlewich Eastern Bypass to be approved – a critical infrastructure improvement for the town that would unlock up to 1,950 new homes and employment land and potentially create up to 6,500 jobs in the local area.

“Without investment in our plans we will be left behind. We need to gain momentum now working with this Government on our journey through to devolution and an elected mayor.

“We cannot afford to stall our infrastructure plans for over 12 months – we have to deliver for residents and business now.

“A devolution agreement for Cheshire and Warrington would give us a powerful voice nationally and means that local leaders will make the important decisions about our area that matter most to our residents, communities and businesses.

“It would also mean inclusion in announcements like today’s from the Chancellor and ensure we can benefit from investment such as this.”

Pictured - Cheshire East Councillors Nick Mannion and Michael Gorman.