A House of Commons Select Committee investigating the economic case behind HS2 have been invited to visit parts of Lichfield set to be affected by the proposed route.
The city’s MP Michael Fabricant has made the invitation and urged the committee to hear directly from some of the campaign groups involved in the battle over high speed rail.
In a letter to the chairman of the Committee and its senior clerk, Mr Fabricant said:
“While I appreciate that the Transport Select Committee Inquiry into HS2 will investigate the economic arguments for and against the High Speed Train service and not the route, may I strongly suggest that the Committee visits Lichfield and nearby Whittington? It is there that the HS2 line terminates and joins the West Coast Main Line. It would be a very instructive visit and give you the opportunity to discuss some of the arguments both for and against HS2.
“May I also strongly suggest that in addition to receiving evidence from the Secretary of State for Transport and the HS2 company, you also take evidence from the Anti-HS2 Alliance, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, and other bodies. I know that they will be making contact with you directly.
“Do please let me know if I can facilitate the Lichfield visit.”
