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High Speed 2 Rail Link

There has been considerable concern across Culcheth and neighbouring areas in recent weeks following the release of the initial proposed route for the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail link. The proposed route approaches Culcheth from the direction of Hollins Green and Glazebrook. It passes over the corner of the Risley landfill, before running behind Howard Road, Severn Road, Downham Avenue, Crossfield Avenue and the Warrington Road end of Newchurch Lane. It cuts through the centre of Taylor Business Park prior to passing under Warrington Road. The route then cuts across the field behind Pendle Gardens and under Wigshaw Lane at the bridge currently occupied by Culcheth Linear Park. Next it passes behind Swinhoe Place, Clifton Avenue and Brookfield Road before traversing the Golf Course on its way to Lowton.

Full details of the route can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/hs2-phase-two-initial-preferred-route-plan-and-profile-maps, the section specifically affecting Culcheth is detailed under “Route section HSM21 Warburton to Lowton” about 2/3 of the way down the page.

THERE IS TO BE AN INITIAL PUBLIC MEETING AT CULCHETH HIGH SCHOOL AND COMMUMITY CENTRE ON THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2013 at 7.30 pm
TO CONSIDER HS2 AND HOW IT AFFECTS CULCHETH AND GLAZEBURY

The meeting will look at the Dept of Transport’s preferred route for the section of the High Speed Rail Link between Crewe and Lowton/Wigan which affects Culcheth and Glazebury and other local communities and ask interested residents to express their view by voting on two questions:

1. Does the community oppose the route? and if so
2. Does the community wish to form a residents group to represent their interests in the consultation process?

The meeting is expected to be well attended. There will only be space for 280 people and admission will be controlled for safety reasons. If there is demand a further meeting or meetings will be arranged. Perhaps you can agree with your neighbours who should attend. For those unable to attend there will also be the chance to vote on line.

There will be a short presentation showing and describing the route. Maps will be available for viewing at the School and later at the Library and elsewhere. Because of the numbers expected and as this in an initial meeting, it is not proposed there be provision or time for detailed debate.

If the meeting agrees to form a residents group we will need people with appropriate skills who are prepared to form and serve on the committee, as well as volunteers to assist with other tasks over the coming months.

For example, we need people with IT, engineering, and communication skills to work together on:

• Researching the Compensation Proposals, impact on residents [in this case by 29 April, 2013]
• Researching proposals and preparation of submission and letter writing
• Publicity
• Fundraising
• Liaison with local businesses
• Liaison with other neighbouring residents actions groups and interested parties
• Liaison with our Local Authorities

Equally importantly we need volunteers in various localities to help

• Compile and maintain an email list for information distribution
• Compile and maintain an email list of people for leaflet distribution

RSPB North Cheshire

Members of the Group met up at the lower car park in Aber Valley. On arrival it was sunny, dry and breezy. As we put our coats on Pied Flycatchers were heard singing along with Blackcaps and Willow Warblers. Making our way up the valley heavy drizzle came down and was blown into our faces by the strengthening wind. Consequently the birds went into hiding. A Goldcrest could be heard singing from a conifer tree and overhead a Buzzard tried to make its way across the valley. On reaching the waterfall we sheltered from the elements. On the return journey the sun came out and we saw our first migrant of the day a stunning male Redstart. A Cuckoo called faintly in the distance and on arriving back at the car park a large mixed flock of Hirundines and Swifts circled above our heads.
After lunch we made our way to Gronant in search of Little Terns. Walking out to their reserve we heard and saw several male Sedge Warblers, a male Reed Bunting whilst Skylarks sang above us. Crossing over the stream we flushed a newly arrived Common Sandpiper. Further along the track we saw seven Wheatears including a handsome male bird.

As we approached the tern colony the wardens were erecting fencing to protect the birds from foxes. They told us the birds were out fishing. They could just about be seen as they dived for fish. A couple of large flocks of Oystercatchers flew by whilst 27 Cormorants were drying their wings by the water’s edge.
In all 43 species were seen and heard.

Paul Grimmett

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