The Government has unveiled plans for the second phase of HS2 through Lichfield and the surrounding villages.
The new section of the high speed rail line will branch off between Curborough and Fradley before heading out through Handsacre, Colton and Great Haywood on route to Manchester.
The confirmation of the route follows an earlier announcement that the initial HS2 route from Birmingham to London would cross the A38 at Streethay before linking up with the West Coast Main Line in Handsacre.
The Chancellor George Osborne has described the line as “the engine for growth” for the Midlands.
However, the route has already proved controversial with campaigners questioning the environmental impact as well as the business case behind the project.
But pro-HS2 group Greengauge 21 welcomed the announcement of the new line.
“The new routes will be of tremendous benefit to Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and the East Midlands, and this is reflected in the enthusiastic support from city and business leaders,” said Jim Steer, director of the group.
“Many other cities in the Midlands and the North will also get an economic boost from the improved services over existing lines that become possible with HS2.”
Full maps and details of the new route are available on the Department for Transport website.
