Let us all see benefits of high speed rail

An artist's impression of the HS2. (s)

THE LEADER of Solihull Council is calling on the Government to ensure the benefits of the controversial high-speed rail network (HS2) are felt across the borough and that Silhillians affected by the scheme will be supported and well compensated.

The region's business leaders have welcomed the Government's decision to approve plans for HS2, which will pass by or through Hampton-in-Arden, Berkswell, Balsall Common and Chelmsley Wood.

But Coun Ken Meeson has stressed the importance of supporting those borough residents affected by the scheme and protecting the wildlife along the proposed route.

He also wants the Government to make sure the £32 billion project provides job opportunities and improves transport links in Solihull.

The route from Birmingham to London, on which trains will reach speeds of 225mph, could be in use by 2026 and the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce claims the scheme will create 22,000 jobs in the West Midlands and boost the regional economy by £1.5 billion per year.

Coun Meeson says that while Solihull Council is on record as supporting the principle of a high speed rail network and recognises the clear economic benefits it would bring to the West Midlands, it has made this support conditional.

"The Government announcement ends a period of uncertainty but we are under no illusion about the implications for some of our local communities and the potential environmental impact on sensitive areas of countryside," he added.

"We will remain in dialogue and continue to press for a robust compensation package for those adversely affected by the route and additional support for the infrastructure needed to ensure that the economic benefits are delivered for the region."

Journey times between the capital and Birmingham will be reduced to 49 minutes with HS2, while it will take just 39 minutes to reach the airport and NEC.

The current quickest journey time between Birmingham New Street and London Euston is 72 minutes.

Andy Street, chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, said the development would bring 'considerable benefits' to the area.

"HS2 will compliment our strategy for jobs and growth and strengthen our position nationally and internationally.

"We want HS2 not to be seen in isolation and to be part of an integrated transport system, locally, nationally and internationally.

"We are also concerned that people affected by the scheme are adequately compensated and that the design of HS2 seeks to minimise the environmental impact."

But Chris Williams, a Chelmsley Wood campaigner for the Green Party, said the new rail network would be detrimental to the area.

"This is terrible news for Solihull," he added.

"There are obviously devastating impacts for Chelmsley Wood, Hampton in Arden and Balsall Common but overall, the sheer cost of this wasteful vanity project of £1,700 for every family in the country will never be made back in economic benefits.

"HS2 may seem exciting and rail improvements may be needed but this is the wrong priority."

Visit www.hs2.org.uk for more information and turn to pages two and three for more local reaction.