A Lichfield councillor has played down suggestions the Staffordshire economy could benefit from HS2.
The controversial high speed rail line moved a step closer after plans for Phase 2 between Birmingham and Crewe were unveiled in the Queen’s Speech earlier this week.
The route is due to cut through parts of Lichfield and the surrounding villages.
But Cllr Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said it was now essential for the region to take a share of any boost to the economy brought by the line.
However, fellow Conservative, Cllr Richard Cox – who represents Armitage, Handsacre and Kings Bromley on Lichfield District Council – said the line would bring no benefit to those communities most affected.
absolutely no benefit whatsoever for #Staffordshire just utter destruction of our beautiful County. Come on @PEBAtkins you can't be serious https://t.co/ihrztP7Q3d
— Richard Cox (@CllrRichardECox) June 23, 2017
Totally right!!!????
Well put Cllr Cox
Nothing to add. I totally agree.
Someone who is prepared to call a white elephant for what it is.
Whiggy could learn something.
We have to look at the later picture. The uk is way behind in transport with new infrastructure being long overdue. This will only benefit the country. In the mean time those most affected will get paid out with many jobs being created. Obviously NIMBYism will always occur but there is no point battling a done deal. Machines have been brought to the area waiting for this construction for years already.
Sad but true. No new stations any where in staffs will mean all the pain and none of the gain for our county. If they put a park & ride type station somewhere between lich, tamw, or rugely we’d all be more supportive.
I agree with SB but know that this will never happen. Would prefer to see real investment in the existing network and open lines connecting all towns and cities. And yes, Armitage with Handsacre could be a great place for a station not forgetting there was one until 1962. Just think a community with over 6000 within the next 10 years could easily justify one. I have started discussions at various forums but hold out little hope because instead of thinking with a common sense approach we the public are having forced upon us without proper debate an enormous white elephant and by the way I’m not a NIMBY, I’m a pragmatist!
No money in the world can compensate the loss of ancient woodland, open countryside and rural way of live. Once gone, gone forever and for what purpose, oh yes a train track that actually doesn’t connect anywhere. Euston to New Street. 15 minute walk to St Pancreas and Curzon Street and in Lichfield’s case a 45 minute train journey yet from Trent Valley it takes 1 hour 10 minutes therefore no benefit Economic or otherwise. So as said no benefit on destruction of our beautiful county.
Rant over! All have a good day
If you’re going to screw up the countryside, blight people’s lives for years, and spend a phenomenal amount of money on a project with minimal return that will largely be obsolete by the time it is finished then at least make it interesting.
Trains that look like trains travelling a little bit faster than trains do on train tracks is so dull. I want the trains of the future, I went the whole thing to look and sound exciting as I watch it whiz past my window at mind-blowing speed.
Can’t we call projects like this for what they are, not white elephants but ways of transfering lots of money from taxpayer to business, akin to the old ‘snake-oil’ salesman: yes you have a bottle with a label but no practical use to most people.
This country is stuffed, frankly, nobody dare contradict the moguls selling off the silver.