Lichfield District Council has said it is “disappointed” by the Government’s decision to push ahead with HS2.
The high speed rail line was given the go-ahead yesterday (January 10) despite protests from campaigners.
Lichfield District Council was one of the local authorities which opposed the scheme and Councillor Alan White, cabinet member for development services, admitted the announcement was a blow.
“We are very disappointed that, despite strong opposition, the government has decided to approve HS2,” he said. “We are also disappointed on behalf of our local communities who campaigned so hard against the plans.
“Along with the worrying environmental impact on our local countryside, villages and some historic buildings, we still have strong reservations about the overall principle of the scheme.
“We remain unconvinced that a robust business case has been made to support HS2, and do not believe that the many benefits the government says the scheme will deliver will actually materialise.
“As for our residents, it is disappointing that we will have to suffer the impact of the scheme crossing through our district, but business travellers and commuters will not be able to access the new high speed trains locally, and will have to first travel to Birmingham to go on them.”
