Transport Secretary accused of putting out "mixed messages" over HS2 Wigan link

Grant Shapps said the "writing was on the wall" for the Golborne spur, which he would "deliver very little" for the expected cost of up to £3bn.

His comments came in response to a question from Leigh’s Conservative MP James Grundy, a long-time opponent of the proposed rail link.

The 12.1km track would leave the HS2 route between Crewe to Manchester, before cutting through Golborne and Lowton and rejoining the West Coast Main Line south of Wigan.

But the spur is seen as key to making Wigan a gateway for high-speed rail and brining "huge beneficial impacts" to the borough’s economy, according to Coun David Molyneux.

The leader of the Labour-run town hall has now called for clarity from Mr Shapps regarding Phase 2b of HS2 – the part of the project which the Golborne spur falls under.

Coun Molyneux said: “A letter addressed to Wigan Council received from the transport secretary this week outlines that the government remains committed to Phase 2b but, as part of an integrated plan for rail in the North, there will be further assessment of current designs.

“It is disappointing to have seen comments reported in the media that go much further, specifically highlighting that the Golborne spur could be reconsidered.”

Wigan will be one of few places across the country that will have a high speed rail station, something which Coun Molyneux will help it become a ‘regional transport hub’.

Several alternatives to the spur had been earmarked – such as upgrades to the West Coast Main Line or a link further south of Golborne – but were rejected.

“Significantly improved connections for the north will also go a long way to rebalancing our country’s economy,” said Coun Molyneux.

“Further uncertainty and mixed messages about aspects of the project are far from helpful for all concerned.”

A DfT spokesperson said: “HS2 is vital to boost capacity on our railways, improve connections across the country and rebalance prosperity and opportunity.

“The Golborne link will be considered as part of the integrated rail plan, to ensure people in the north of England and Scotland benefit from improved rail links in the quickest and most cost-efficient way.”