A CONSULTATION on further detailed plans for the HS2 Phase 2b route through Cheshire is underway.

The ten-week period from October 11 to December 21 will ask for public comments on HS2 Ltd's new working draft environmental statement (ES) and equality impact assessment (EIA).

The ES describes the design of the railway and the impact – and monitoring – of construction, and the EIA considers potential effects of the railway on people.

Public events will come to Middlewich, Rudheath and High Legh in November.

Teams from HS2 Ltd will be on hand to talk to people about the design plans and the effect Britain’s new high speed railway will have on the region.

Leonie Dubois, HS2’s head of consultation and engagement, said: “HS2 is coming to Cheshire and the region will reap significant benefits as a result.

"High speed rail will play a crucial role in rebalancing Britain’s economy; driving business growth, stimulating investment and creating jobs right across the country.

“Through the public consultations, we are providing a more detailed account of how we propose to build the railway and minimise its impacts during construction and operation.

"We actively encourage people to have their say on the plans we have published today.”

Attendance at the events, listed below, is on a drop-in basis.

- Middlewich Canalside Conference Centre, Brooks Lane, 2pm to 8pm on Tuesday, November 13.

- The Venue at Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, 2pm to 8pm on Thursday, November 29.

- High Legh Village Hall, West Lane, 2pm to 8pm on Friday, November 30.

hs2.org.uk/phase2b