HS2 boss says route ‘could change’

Changes could even include the section from Fradley in Staffordshire to Crewe in Cheshire - a stretch recommended last week by HS2 Ltd chairman Sir David Higgins.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced the launch of a nine-week consultation on safeguarding directions for this Fradley-Crewe leg.

Safeguarding ensures that land identified for big projects is protected from conflicting development.

The Fradley-Crewe section is part of the Y-shaped phase two route for HS2 which will see the line taken north from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds, with a completion date of around 2033.

Mr McLoughlin said today: “Other destinations served by the proposed HS2 Phase Two route, on both the eastern and western side of the country, should be reassured that we continue to be committed to a Y shaped HS2 network delivered as quickly as possible.

“Decisions on the phase two route will be taken when the necessary analysis has been completed.”