MPs welcome HS2

MP Lorely Burt. (s)

THE borough's MPs have given their backing to the Government's decision to approve plans for HS2.

Caroline Spelman, MP for Meriden, welcomed the decision and said she was pleased with changes to the plan which will see the line moved away from Balsall Common.

She said: "I'm pleased to see the efforts that have gone into mitigations along the route including some of those which I asked for.

"The announcement brings to an end a long spell of uncertainty.

"After full consultation, the Government has listened to all sides of the argument and has incorporated a number of changes in the new proposed line.

"The most significant improvement in this area is that the line will be moved away from Balsall Common slightly and the viaduct lowered.

"There will also be a green tunnel at Burton Green so that is really good news for the constituency.

"Overall, Meriden will benefit enormously in the future from HS2 and there will be better connections between the north and south of the country to re-balance the economy."

Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull, said the high-speed network would make life easier for passengers and bring huge benefits to the country.

She said: "The rest of the world are literally speeding ahead when it comes to high-speed rail and we are playing catch up. This investment will provide jobs and growth for the West Midlands and will make it a more attractive place to do business.

"It is obviously important that we keep a keen eye on the physical impacts of the project to ensure that we keep any environmental changes to our area to a minimum, but I believe the plans as they stand do that.

"This project will also improve connections further north and up to Scotland, so it is important that the Government starts planning for the next phases soon.

"HS2 promises to bring future economic trade and prosperity and even this first stage will go a long way to solving the north/south divide."