Political row breaks out after Lib Dems accuse Tory MP of remaining silent on Northern Powerhouse Rail route

A political row has broken out after local Lib Dems called for clarity on the proposed Northern Powerhouse Rail route through Warrington, accusing local MP Andy Carter of being “silent” on the issue.
Mr Carter hit back saying that far from being silent he had asked a question about route decisions in the House last month and that MPs didn’t have any formal control over route decisions, with Northern Powerhouse Rail a joint project between Transport for the North (TfN), a devolved body made of Council Leaders from across the region.
The proposals involve a new rail link from Liverpool to Leeds. Part of this route runs from Bank Quay Station to High Legh, where it joins a stretch of HS2.
Accusing Mr Carter of remaining silent on the issue local campaigner Cllr Graham Gowland said: “We have been trying to get clarity on the planned route. It is clear that it is going to run through South Warrington and into the town centre but no public consultation has taken place over the route. I have contacted the Government transport body responsible but they have refused to give details. While there is a lot of merit in NPR, its impact on individuals must be considered. The best local knowledge must be applied to finding the most acceptable route.

“The public money already committed to the so-called ‘passive junctions’ at High Legh shows the route is essentially confirmed. It is shocking that no local consultation has yet taken place. Our local MP has been silent on this issue, and seems oblivious to the concerns that local residents have over the routing of a high-speed rail line through the Borough. Good transport links are important for a thriving economy, but local engagement is key, not routes centrally imposed by the Conservative Government.
“I have lodged an appeal against the refusal to release details. Residents concerned about the route are urged to contact the Minister of Transport, Grant Shapps at [email protected] and ask him to clarify the route, and what noise and other mitigation measures are planned. It is a real shame that our local MP is not representing the concerns of local residents in relation to NPR and HS3. After all, these projects are centrally managed by the Conservative Government.”
But in response Warrington South MP Andy Carter said: “What’s clear from the statement from Mr Gowland is that he doesn’t pay attention to the discussion around rail infrastructure.
“Far from being silent I stood up in the House of Commons only last month to question the Rail Minister on whether any route decisions will include an interchange at Warrington Bank Quay station, creating a hub site between Northern Powerhouse Rail and the west coast mainline. As we learnt then, those decisions haven’t been finalised.
“Northern Powerhouse Rail is a joint project between Transport for the North (TfN), the devolved body made of Council Leaders from across the region, including Warrington, and the Department for Transport. MPs don’t have any formal control over route decisions, so perhaps Mr Gowland should speak to the Warrington Labour Councillor who sits on the TfN Board.
“My priority is ensuring Warrington gets adequate funding and transport plans fit in with our wider regeneration ambitions for the town. Northern Powerhouse Rail between Manchester and Liverpool is still making the case for investment. The Liberal Democrats know this but they’re trying to scare people ahead of the local elections into thinking plans are finalised without any proper consultation.”