Community groups and councillors have been tackling the issue of HS2 with some of the officials behind the scheme.
The proposed route of the high speed rail line would cut through parts of Lichfield and the surrounding area.
The event, held at the County Buildings in Stafford, is part of Staffordshire County Council’s attempt to formulate an official response to the Government’s HS2 proposals.
County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:
“This was a useful opportunity to put questions directly to HS2. This will allow councils and community groups to respond to the formal consultation on the proposals which concludes on July 29. Staffordshire County Council is opposing the concept of high speed rail because the evidence to date does not justify the enormous costs, either financial or environmental. We think this funding would deliver better value, and increased capacity, if invested in the existing transport infrastructure.
“We are still keen to hear all sides of the debate and will continue to weigh up the arguments as we consider the detail of our formal response to Government. A calm and considered analysis will best serve the interests of Staffordshire’s people, their future prosperity and quality of life.”
