Crewe has been shortlisted as one of six locations bidding to become the home of Great British Railways.

The government announced yesterday (Tuesday) that Crewe had been shortlisted, out of 42 possible locations, alongside Birmingham, Derby, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.

Now the public get to help decide in a public vote, on where the GBR HQ should be located before a final decision is made in summer 2022.

And Councillor Laura Crane, Vice-Chair of Cheshire East's Highways and Transport committee and councillor for Sandbach Ettiley Heath and Wheelock, is urging residents to vote now and make it happen.

Cllr Laura Crane

She said: "It's fantastic news to hear that Crewe has been selected as one of the six shortlisted locations for the Great British Railways HQ.

"With excellent rail links to all areas of the U.K. and a history which goes back to its creation, Crewe is the obvious choice.

"Competing against large cities in the public vote puts us at a disadvantage but I would say that if people want to see a major rail HQ locally and the good jobs that go with that then they should vote for Crewe.

"It's an easy process and takes about 30 seconds so please do click on this link to put Crewe at the heart of rail: http://www.gbrtt.co.uk/vote."

The vote is open for six weeks until August 15 but voters are urged to get their response in early. 

In March, Cheshire East Council and its partners submitted a strong and ambitious expression of interest for Crewe to become the headquarters for the new public body, which will be in charge of railways across the country.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, and a Sandbach councillor said: "We are absolutely thrilled that Crewe has been shortlisted as one of the locations being seriously considered as the new home for GBR.

Cllr Sam Corcoran

"We strongly believe that Crewe is the right and logical choice.

"Crewe is a rail town through and through, at the heart of the rail network.

"Crewe 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." 

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, added: "GBR will hugely benefit Crewe – and the wider borough.

"We believe bringing it here opens up a range of opportunities that will benefit our residents, businesses, and communities, and our strong rail industry means we have a skilled workforce that is right for GBR. 

"We now look forward to the public vote and encourage people from Crewe, Cheshire, our neighbours and beyond to back Crewe for GBR." 

Cllr Jill Rhodes, leader of Crewe Town Council, said: "Being the home of Great British Railways would be a fantastic boost to Crewe and the surrounding area. 

"Crewe has everything needed and Cheshire East Council put in a very strong technical bid. We need everyone to pull together to raise the profile of Crewe and win the public vote."

A website launched in early April to show all that Crewe https://gbrcrewe.co.uk/ has to offer and give the public the chance to pledge their support and get behind the campaign.