Cheshire East Council has attacked the Government for a "lack of communication" over the future of HS2 north of Birmingham which would pass through the area.

The comments come as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, is due to make an announcement today (Wednesday) about the future of this section of HS2.

Cllr Corcoran and Cllr Browne wrote to the Prime Minister last week calling for an urgent meeting before any decision was made on this vital rail infrastructure.

In a joint statement, the leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, councillors Sam Corcoran and Craig Browne, said: "The lack of communication from Government with local stakeholders is not acceptable, and the continued speculation has ramifications for Cheshire East and its plans, the wider region, and our communities.

"It is making long-term strategic infrastructure planning impossible, and eroding business confidence to invest.

"We will continue to monitor and make enquiries about the current position of HS2 to Crewe and Manchester and work with our partners across the North to seek answers from Government.

"We remain clear in our position that delivering Phase 2a and 2b of HS2 in full, as planned, is critical to unlocking the North's full economic potential and ensuring that the serious capacity issues across the northern rail network are addressed."