Campaigners in Lichfield will join other HS2 protest by lighting a beacon to raise awareness of the fight against a new high speed rail route.
Communities along the length of the proposed route from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire will take part in the co-ordinated protest to coincide with the launch of the Government’s public consultation.
Lichfield campaigners will light their beacon at Packington Moor February 28 at 6pm.
At least 30 beacons are expected to be lit, including others in Staffordshire at Drayton Basset, Middleton and Polesworth.
Lichfield Action Group (LAG) and Whittington Parish Community Stop HS2 Action Group are combining their efforts to help organise the beacon along with the Barnes family from Packington Moor who together run the farm, farm shop, cafe and wedding venue business, all of which will be demolished if the current HS2 route gets the go-ahead.
A LAG spokesman said:
“We are totally opposed to the construction of HS2. The business and environmental cases have been proved to be a sham, and at a time of unprecedented cuts in public services, spending £1,250 for every household in Britain on a vanity project is the wrong priority for the country.
“The human cost is incalculable, with long-standing and thriving businesses like Packington Moor destroyed, as well as invaluable resources like Whittington Heath Golf Club. We hope this protest will draw the attention of the whole country, not just those directly affected by the first phase from London to Lichfield, to this white elephant.”
For more information about the beacon visit www.lichfieldagainsthighspeedtrains.org.uk.
