PLANS for a high-speed train service �— dubbed HS3 �— across the north of England have been welcomed by Bolton politicians and business leaders.

Journey times between Manchester and Leeds could be slashed under proposals announced by HS2 boss Sir David Higgins yesterday.

The east-west section in the north would be in addition to the north-of-Birmingham phase two of HS2 which will see a Y-shaped route going to Manchester and Leeds.

The government said it would now produce a strategy looking at options, costs and a delivery timetable for HS3 between the two cities.

Julie Hilling, MP for Bolton West, said it was time to build rail links “for this century”.

Ms Hilling said: “It’s ridiculous that it’s quicker to drive from Manchester to Leeds than get the train.

“We have been arguing for better connectivity across the North for a long time.

“This is not just about connecting our major cities but communities like Bolton to the rest of the North.”

Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, also welcomed the proposals yet said great investment was needed across all regional networks.

Ms Qureshi said: “I welcome anything that improves public transport. However more needs to be spent on the regional transport structures to make them better.

“It’s important the lines are improved quickly. My hope is that HS2 will bring more people up north rather than the other way round.”

The first phase of HS2 from Euston to Birmingham is expected to be finished in 2026.

David Crausby, MP for Bolton North, said the high speed line needed to be built as soon as possible.

He added: "I’m more interested in improving rail links between Bolton and Manchester.

“However, I welcome any investment which will boost the economy in the North West.

“We have spent enough money improving London’s transport system. This is long overdue."

It is estimated the HS2 project could cost about £50 billion.

Richard Gregg, regional chair for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Manchester and North Cheshire region, said: “We are delighted better connectivity from east to west is being considered.

"There is a widespread consensus that transport infrastructure in the north of England needs to be brought up to speed, and more frequent, reliable trains between Manchester and Leeds would also serve to ease congestion on the region’s motorways.

“However, this is just a starting point and it is important and timely that we move from recommendations and announcements to actions.”