UK rail minister says Crewe's size 'doesn't matter' in visit to town for GBR HQ bid
The UK rail minister has visited Crewe to understand its full intentions - following the town's success at making the GBR HQ six-location shortlist.
On 5 July, the government announced that Crewe had been shortlisted alongside Birmingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Doncaster, York and Derby for the GBR HQ.
Following this decision, a non-binding, online vote, hosted by The Great British Railways Transition Team (GRBTT) was made - this runs until 15 August.
This vote gives the public the opportunity to support and vote for CREWE from the shortlist.
When the shortlist was announced, the Government confirmed ministers and GBRTT representatives would be visiting the six shortlisted locations.
On Friday (July 15), rail minister Wendy Morton MP visited Crewe Locomotive Storage Ltd, off Nantwich Road.
The rail minister also took a look at the proposed located for Crewe's HS2 Hub Station, taking part in a VR experience to see what the finished project would look like.
Despite Crewe being the smallest settlement left in the running for the GBR HQ, Wendy Morton MP told Nub News the town's population size doesn't limit its bid.
Mrs Morton MP said: "The specific criteria that we will take into account is the economic activity and the links each location can provide.
"The opportunities, skills, jobs and levelling up agenda will also be taken into account. The public vote is one part of that criteria.
"The size of a town or city (Crewe) doesn't matter. One location will be put forward on its own merits.
"Each location can encourage people to vote and support their bid."
Earlier this month, politicians said visits like this these were to gain a greater understanding of prospective locations' intentions.
They said it was also about engaging with local communities and getting a feel for the momentum.
Leader of Cheshire East Council, Sam Corcoran urged the public to continue voting for Crewe.
Cllr Corcoran told Nub News: "I think this visit has gone really well. We have managed to get across the passion for rail that the people of Crewe have to the minister.
"We really need people now to go out and vote for Crewe. It's very quick and easy to do."
In response to the rail minister's population size comments - the council's Labour leader believed voting for Crewe was more essential.
Cllr Corcoran added: "We are the underdog. I can understand why the minister believes population doesn't matter, but there aren't many politicians who would go against a public vote."
The GRBTT says it will consider the public vote results as part of the final decision making.
Record producer and rail enthusiast, Pete Waterman, had his say on the rail minister's visit, telling Nub News: "I thought the rail minister was really impressed with Crewe.
"Everybody did a fantastic job to sell the town, we can't do anymore.
"We are not the biggest location, but we have a lot to offer - probably more than anybody else."
You can vote for Crewe until 15 August HERE. Back the bid by using #. HeartOfRail on social media.
READ MORE: What are the new Crewe History Centre plans?
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