Councillors in Lichfield are calling for a halt to all HS2 works in the area until a final green light for the main construction is given the go-ahead.
The future of the controversial high speed rail line has been called into question, with Conservative MP Michael Fabricant saying it wasn’t too late to axe the scheme altogether.
And now councillors have unanimously backed a motion calling for a pause until the green light is given for the main construction works.
The motion from Cllr Alan White was delivered at the annual meeting of Lichfield District Council. He said: “This council proposes that the leader should write to Government to request that all enabling works for HS2 in Lichfield district should be paused until the notice to proceed to main works contractors has been approved.
“As required by the Department of Transport, notice to proceed should not be given until management capability, affordability of contracts and robustness of a revised business case have all been proven.
“We see no reason why the district should suffer significant disruption and long term environmental destruction until detailed design and cost has been approved.
“We also ask that HS2 Ltd significantly improves the effectiveness of its community engagement with those impacted by the line.”
The motion was seconded by Cllr White’s Conservative colleague, Cllr Richard Cox, who said he remained hopeful the plug would be pulled on the scheme altogether.
“Our district is currently seeing destruction of our countryside which is vandalism especially if – and hopefully when – HS2 is finally scrapped.”
