A group supporting plans for high speed rail say construction of the line through Lichfield should be brought forward.
Greengauge 21 has urged the Government to start development on the Crewe-Lichfield leg of the line as part of phase one, with a new integrated station constructed at Crewe.
The stretch is currently earmarked for phase two, but now the campaign group are keen to see it constructured sometime in the mid-2020s.
Jim Steer, director of Greengauge 21, said: “Looking at investment in new lines and the existing network together in the North and Midlands in the way we have identified is likely to lead to the discovery of ways to reduce overall project costs as well as advance the economic benefits for the North.
“And it is essential to realise that experience across Europe has shown us that regeneration can start in locations served by high-speed rail in advance of its opening.
“Anticipation, once it is clear this type of investment is going to happen, is enough to attract the development community.”
Bringing forward the Lichfield stretch of HS2 is among a number of potential improvements Greengauge21 says it has identified, including a short link between the Midland Main Line and HS2 to allow services to access Derby.
