Views and volunteers are needed to help shape a new HS2 liaison group in Warrington.

The Warrington High Speed Rail Liaison group is currently being set up and will provide a forum for the wider Warrington community about the proposed introduction of High Speed Two (Phase 2) in the North West.

The council is facilitating the group on behalf of a range of interested parties including local residents and communities, businesses, the voluntary sector, academia and environmental groups to help ensure that Warrington receives maximum benefits from the implementation of HS2.

The key aims of the group include providing:

·Advice to HS2 Ltd, Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other relevant bodies on how best to engage across Warrington.

·A forum where people can discuss the impact of HS2 and ensure that Warrington has a strong voice in positively influencing the project.

Warrington Council is asking anyone who lives or works in Warrington for their views on the Terms of Reference for the group and would welcome requests from representatives of key groups such as local community groups, parish councils, businesses, the voluntary sector, academia and environmental groups to be members.

Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council, said: “This group will play a very important part in making sure that our community understands the impact of HS2 on Warrington and will represent a strong and positive voice for Warrington when it comes to making our views heard.

“Warrington is a key player when it comes to business in the UK as we are one of the top performers in the country.  We are committed to making sure that HS2 acts only to boost our economic profile and does not hamper our growth and development in anyway. We have ambitious plans for Warrington that are coming into fruition and we will do everything we can to make sure that we get the best deal we can for Warrington.”

If you have any comments about the terms of reference or would like to be considered for membership please email Steve Hunter, Transportation Service Manager – shunter@warrington.gov.uk

The closing date for the consultation is the 31st August.