Greater Manchester is expected to face a 20-year wait for HS2 trains after the latest delay to the controversial rail link with London was confirmed by the Government.
The high-speed line was due for extension to Crewe from Birmingham between 2030 and 2034 to help boost transport in the north of England. The next stage - the 'Phase 2b' section joining Crewe to Manchester - was set for connection between 2035 and 2041.
But Mark Harper, the transport secretary, yesterday announced a two-year delay to the 'Phase 2a' link between Birmingham and Crewe, with no guarantees of any further delays in the future.