It’s been announced today that Crewe has not been chosen to be the new home of the Great British Railways.
Despite having support both locally and across the wider sub region, Crewe wasn’t chosen as the location for GBR’s headquarters – which will instead be located in Derby.
Transport secretary Mark Harper made the announcement earlier, despite rumours circulating yesterday that Derby had won the contest.
Crewe was one of six places shortlisted – joining Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle, and York.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan said: “I am so disappointed that Crewe has not been chosen.
“I can honestly say there are few places in the country that are more closely linked with the railway than Crewe and bringing the headquarters here would have continued that proud tradition.
But I don’t begrudge Derby their win and I am glad to see another agency being put outside of London.”
He added: “We can be so proud of our bid and the way the whole community pulled together to produce it.
Business, sport, local government, different political parties – everyone played their part.
Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran said: “Naturally, we are very disappointed that Crewe has not been chosen to be the new home of Great British Railways, especially after such strong public backing for the town’s bid.
“We had no doubt that Crewe was the right choice, and Great British Railways would have hugely benefited the town and the wider sub region.
“Crewe is a rail town through and through and is at the heart of the rail network.
“It has a strong rail heritage and is one of the most connected interchanges in the country, connecting the nation and serving as a gateway for the North.
“But while this is not the decision we had hoped for, we do take great pride in the strength of Crewe’s bid and the efforts of the public and all our partners, stakeholders and businesses who got behind it.
“We would like to thank each and every person that voted for Crewe for their support – the passion that people have locally for rail and the town of Crewe was absolutely evident throughout this competition, and this is something we will continue to harness.
“We would also like to pass on our congratulations to Derby, and all others who were in the running.”
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of the council and chair of its highways and transport committee, added: “Crewe is a town which is synonymous with the railways, not least because of its highly skilled workforce, thriving rail industry and strategic transport links.
“We have punched well above our weight in this competition. We made it to the final six from 42 places shortlisted, were the only town to make the shortlist, and secured more than 34,000 votes.
“We will continue to drive forward a positive future for the town and its communities, as well as Cheshire East as a whole and the wider sub region and continue to seek opportunities to ensure its continued and future growth and success.
“We believe that today’s decision is a missed opportunity to deliver the government’s Levelling Up agenda in the north of England.”
