MP Welcomes High Speed 2 Review

Tamworth, Drayton Bassett & Hints’ new MP, Christopher Pincher, has welcomed a decision by Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, to review the High Speed 2 proposals released by the last government in March 2010 which will include a review of the recommended route between London and the West Midlands and an assessment of options for the wider network.  The current proposals tabled by Lord Adonis, the Labour former Transport Secretary, could see the link built straight through Drayton Bassett and the Hints Valley and on towards Lichfield.  Mr. Hammond has asked Sir Brian Briscoe, Chairman of HS2, to report back to him next month.

Mr. Pincher said:

“I am very pleased that Philip Hammond has decided to look at the route proposed by the last government which, if built, will do great damage to communities in Drayton Bassett, Hints and Weeford.”

“There is still a lot more work to do.  I plan to talk to ministers about the affect the “Adonis route” will have on local people in the next three weeks.   But the news that Philip Hammond has asked for a review shows the “Adonis route” proposal is not set in stone and that consultation will be meaningful.  I think everyone agrees that high speed rail services will be good for our national economy – but the route proposed on 11^th March is not right for communities in our area.  So the campaign continues.”

For further information on the Secretary of State’s letter to Sir Brian Briscoe go to http://www.hs2.org.uk/publications?pageid=1