COMMUNITIES need clarity on the future of the controversial HS2 project, the leader of Staffordshire County Council has said.
The high speed rail line – which cuts through parts of Lichfield and surrounding villages – has already been scaled back with the northern leg axed due to spiralling costs.
But the southern leg to Birmingham will go ahead, including a connection with the West Coast Main Line at Handsacre.
Now Cllr Ian Cooper, leader of Staffordshire County Council, has written to Rail Minister Lord Hendy calling for clarity for residents.
He said:
“Staffordshire has endured years of disruption, uncertainty and blight as a direct result of HS2, yet to date we have seen no tangible benefits from the scheme whatsoever.
“Ongoing uncertainty following the cancellation of Phase 2a in October 2023 has only compounded these issues. Although the announcement marked the end of that leg of the project, the enabling legislation remains in force and the land acquired under Compulsory Purchase Orders has not been released or returned.
“This is creating unacceptable uncertainty for our residents and communities, as well as stifling investment and development potential along the affected corridor.
“I am also deeply concerned about the current pause of Phase 1 works within Staffordshire.
“This pause leaves yet more communities in limbo, facing ongoing disruption, visual and environmental degradation, and unanswered questions about their future.
“I call on the Government to make a clear and final decision on the future of both the Phase 1 and cancelled Phase 2a works in Staffordshire
“This pause leaves yet more communities in limbo, facing ongoing disruption, visual and environmental degradation, and unanswered questions about their future.
“We are calling on the Government to make a clear and final decision on the future of both the Phase One and cancelled Phase 2a works in Staffordshire.”
