Cabinet member for highways and transportation, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “Finding the a location for the headquarters of GBR is an important next step in helping to shape the future of our rail network.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to the final six shortlisted locations - Birmingham, Crewe, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York – for reaching this stage in what has been a very competitive process.

“Crewe is flying the flag for our region and there is clearly a great deal of interconnectivity between the Crewe and Warrington rail networks and future plans. The council also continues to support in principle the Crewe to Manchester section of High Speed Rail, which will help to support Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) services, in turn benefitting Warrington through improved access and connectivity to the town.

“We are therefore supportive of Crewe’s bid to be the national headquarters for GBR and residents can equally share their support through the national public vote online, which closes on 15 August.”