Councillors to debate concerns about HS2
Politicians are set to debate the Government's plans for a high-speed rail link.
Phase two of the £32 billion HS2 project, connecting Birmingham with Leeds, could cut through Leicestershire.
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A motion by leader Nick Rushton to a full meeting of Leicestershire County Council on Wednesday will ask members to raise concerns with ministers, MPs and HS2 Ltd.
Councillor Rushton has described the project as "all pain and no gain" for the county.
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His motion outlines his concerns, including the potential loss of jobs and road improvements – referring to a Kegworth bypass – and business rates rises if the proposed line blocks the development of the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at East Midlands Airport.
He highlights the potential blight on other developments along the proposed route, including difficulties it would pose for a solution to congestion at junction 13 of the A42, at Ashby, which Coun Rushton said was a "key requirement for the delivery of growth" in the north west of the county.
The motion also states that Toton is the wrong option for an East Midlands station.
North West Leicestershire District Council's Labour group is supporting the Conservative county council leader's view that Derby would be a better location for the station.
This would mean the line would not have to pass through Leicestershire.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Measham district councillor Tom Neilson said: "Derby City Council has said it wants the East Midlands HS2 station to be in Derby and we agree this is a better option than Toton."
10 Comments
by Graham_LE8
Sunday, February 17 2013, 9:55AM
“Well discussing the benefits to our area (indeed our region) certainly wouldn't take up much time...”
by Bob491
Saturday, February 16 2013, 9:21PM
“And as I pointed out:
Demo you know as well as the rest of us that what this remarkably dishonest Con government says is regularly the complete opposite to what it actually does.
No top down reorganisation of the NHS, it said!”
by democrat
Saturday, February 16 2013, 3:00PM
“Er Bob
As I pointed out - it is being electrified”
by Bob491
Saturday, February 16 2013, 2:47PM
“So there will be no benefit to Leicestershire whatever.
Does that mean we won't be asked to contribute heavily to the enormous costs of this white elephant? Severe austerity doesn't apply to the wealthy does it!
Electrifying the Midland Mainline would be far more effective and come at a much lower cost.”
by democrat
Saturday, February 16 2013, 1:30PM
“Bob
So do you welcome it?
Yes or no?”
by democrat
Saturday, February 16 2013, 12:41PM
“Bob
So you don't welcome it then - at least that is clear”
by Bob491
Saturday, February 16 2013, 12:23PM
“Demo you know as well as the rest of us that what this remarkably dishonest Con government says is regularly the complete opposite to what it actually does.
No top down reorganisation of the NHS, it said!”
by democrat
Saturday, February 16 2013, 12:10PM
“Bob
The Government have already announced that the Midland Mainline is to be electrified
Please keep up with the facts.
Can I assume that you welcome this good (if rather old) news?”
by Bob491
Saturday, February 16 2013, 11:58AM
“So there will be no benefit to Leicestershire whatever.
Does that mean we won't be asked to contribute heavily to the enormous costs of this white elephant? Severe austerity doesn't apply to the wealthy does it!
Electrifying the Midland Mainline would be far more effective and come at a much lower cost.”
by DBLeicester
Saturday, February 16 2013, 10:22AM
“Apart from the obvious arguments about the environment and cost to build, I would also be concerned about the ticket prices if the HS2 was to go ahead. Standard train ticket prices are on the verge of ridiculous and unaffordable - HS2 is surely going to be more expensive than them! I am a big believer that public transport should be affordable and sustainable...in the UK, we couldn't be further from the truth!”