LEADERS from Cheshire and North Wales will urge the Government to support a cross-border rail revolution today (Monday, February 26)

The West and Wales Strategic Rail Prospectus will be put forward by the Growth Track 360 campaign at a House of Commons event where Chris Grayling, secretary of state for transport, will be in attendance.

The document sets out how residents could benefit from faster journey times, more frequent services, and new routes.

Ahead of the event Cllr Samantha Dixon, chairman of Growth Track 360 and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Targeted investment in the area’s four key rail hubs and across the North Wales, Cheshire and Warrington rail network can deliver a step change in connectivity and growth across the region.

“We are asking Government and the wider rail industry to recognise the potential that this investment can bring and to work alongside us to make it a reality.”

Dozens of senior business, rail industry and local authority leaders are expected to attend the launch event, alongside MPs and members of the Welsh Assembly.

The document calls for investment in the strategic rail hubs of Crewe, Warrington, Manchester Airport and Chester to maximise the potential of HS2 – with five to seven fast trains an hour stopping at Crewe.

It also calls for better local connectivity, with the strategy aiming to boost the region’s economy, grow its productivity, and reduce congestion on Cheshire’s roads.

Christine Gaskell, chairman of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Targeted investment in our rail network starting with a Crewe Hub that offers frequent services on HS2 and to destinations connected to Crewe will enable us to build over 200,000 new homes, create over 300,000 new jobs and create an economy for everybody with inclusive growth.”

The prospectus has been created by public and private sector leaders from Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East, Warrington and North Wales – and it has the backing of Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for economy and transport, added: “This prospectus sets out a compelling and clear case for cross-border investment which would enhance opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people and many businesses to ensure the benefits of HS2 can be felt from Crewe to Conwy and beyond.”

For more information visit growthtrack360.com/home/westandwalesrailprospectus