Sandbach councillors have highlighted why Crewe should win the bid for the new Great British Railways headquarters.

A stakeholder briefing was held on Friday following the "outstanding" bid submitted earlier in the week for Crewe to be the location of the Great British Railways HQ.

Councillor Laura Crane (Ettiley Heath & Wheelock), Vice Chair of Cheshire East's Highways and Transport Committee told Sandbach Nub News: "In my opinion, Crewe is the obvious home for Great British Railways and Cheshire East, together with our partners, has put together a fantastic bid for the HQ.

"Crewe was built to support the railway back in the early days of 1the Victorian empire and has grown to be arguably the most important junction on the network.

"It's enviable position links England, Wales, Scotland directly and Ireland via a short ferry trip, who could possibly beat that?

"Bringing the new headquarters to Crewe should result in well paid, skilled jobs benefiting Crewe but also Sandbach and other towns.

"From a personal perspective, as a fourth generation rail worker, I'd love to see rail job opportunities available in the area for generations to come."

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council and a member of Sandbach Town Council said: "We have submitted an outstanding bid to show why Crewe is the right and logical choice for the Great British Railways headquarters.

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

"We're proud of our rail heritage and the role the town has played in the growth of the railways but that's not the only reason why Crewe is the right place for this opportunity – far from it.

"Crewe is one of the most connected interchanges in the country, connecting the nation and serving as a gateway for the North. This means that the possibilities this headquarters brings can flow throughout the country.

"GBR in Crewe has to be for Crewe – and the people of Crewe. We believe bringing it here opens up a range of opportunities that will benefit our residents. Our strong rail industry means we have a skilled workforce that is right for GBR in return.

"We now look forward to hearing in May whether we have been shortlisted. The public will then have the chance to get behind the bid and show that Crewe truly is at the heart of rail."