The Government’s proposed route for HS2 has been branded “unacceptable” by Lichfield’s MP.
Michael Fabricant made his comments after details of the planned high speed rail line’s second phase between Birmingham and Manchester were unveiled.
Residents in many of the villages surrounding Lichfield are set to face disruption as the route cuts through the countryside around the city.
“I am totally opposed to HS2 going anywhere near Staffordshire,” said Mr Fabricant.
“I will not be supporting the legislation in Parliament after it has passed through the Bill Committee unless the route is moved and the route, originally supported by the Conservatives in Opposition, avoids south Staffordshire altogether by utilising existing transport corridors such as major motorways.
“This is the way they do it in continental Europe as it minimises the environmental impact of the line – this present route is unacceptable.
“I have no illusions on how HS2 will affect residents of Kings Bromley, Armitage and the Ridwares as the line to Manchester plunges northwards through rural Staffordshire blighting homes and blighting lives.”
As well as continuing to push for a U-Turn on the route, Mr Fabricant has vowed to seek the best deal possible for residents affected by the line.
“This pragmatic, two-pronged approach is the best for my constituents for as long as all three main political parties in Parliament support HS2,” he explained.
