The CHESHIRE Branch of the Campaign for the Preservation of Rural England (CPRE) believes Whitchurch could miss out on the impact of HS2 expansion in Cheshire.

Cheshire East Council are supporting a proposal for a high speed spur in north east Cheshire as a temporary measure ahead of two phases to be built later on.

Andrew Needham, the Chairman of CPRE Cheshire, explained: "Cheshire East Council support the 'high speed spur' in the east of Cheshire on existing lines. As proposed, this may be a temporary measure.

"This spur would use existing lines but be compatible with HS2 trains. It would connect Macclesfield, Stoke and Stafford to the Handsacre junction, which is the link with HS2 Phase One."

Peter Moore-Dutton, also from CPRE, lives in Tushingham and believes the impact on the Shrewsbury line, which passes through Whitchurch, will be a negative one.

He said: "My understanding is that as the Shrewsbury to Manchester trains will have to cross several lines including HS2 lines; this will not be possible so passengers will have to cross the lines on a moving platform to catch another train to continue their journey.

"I am sure many people have been attracted to Whitchurch because of its rail link to Crewe. It seems strange Cheshire East do not mention in their document the impact on Wrenbury Station and Whitchurch Station, while the connections to London will be less frequent and slower."