High speed trains may be coming to Macclesfield slashing journey times from the town to London.
Transport chiefs have said that HS2 trains could stop at Macclesfield station every hour, under proposals being considered.
The trains would travel to Macclesfield via high speed lines between London and Handsacre Junction near Stafford, where they would deviate on to the existing rail line rather than continuing to Manchester.
They say that this would deliver a faster connection with the capital than Macclesfield has at present but have not said how much quicker they will be.
MP David Rutley said that this could bring economic benefits to the town.
He said: “It will not be on a high speed line but hybrid trains will come off at Handsacre and through Stoke and Macclesfield.
“This link south of Macclesfield would be good news for the town.
“The announcement is important for Macclesfield and around as it will help the local economy.
“Our access to Manchester Airport is very important. HS2 adds extra capacity and improves connectivity between London and the north.
“It’s important to realise that when HS2 goes ahead Macclesfield will continue to have at least the same speed of journey and frequency of service which is vitally important but the latest statement on HS2 announces the possibility of high speed trains coming to Macclesfield too.”
A report on the second phase of HS2 identified the option with the ‘lowest cost and highest benefit’ would be to serve Stoke-on-Trent and Macclesfield with one HS2 train per hour via the Handsacre Junction.
The government has asked HS2 Ltd to undertake the additional work needed to reach a decision on this option.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “HS2 is an ambitious and exciting project and the government is seizing the opportunity it offers to build a transport network fit for the 21st century.
“People across Macclesfield will benefit from the regeneration HS2 brings, which is expected to support 35,000 jobs and the creation of 4,000 new homes.
“We have asked HS2 Ltd to explore how the new rail line might best serve Macclesfield.
“No final decision has been taken.”
