New fears raised on HS2 route

New fears are growing over the proposed HS2 rail route which is set to carve up land in Staffordshire.

Lichfield City Council clerk, Peter Young, has written to the Transport Secretary Justine Greening after seeing a report from the Government's Select Committee which is considering tweaks to the proposed route.

Mr Young said it suggests a potential link from the HS2 to the existing Birmingham to Derby line that would bring the project closer to Lichfield.

He said a lot of people in the city are concerned about their homes and nature spots, and the new idea has just made things worse.

"The speculation as to whether there will be a link and where it will go is causing a great deal of local concern," he added.

The city council had previously expressed some broad support for the line, set to link Birmingham to London in 49 minutes. However councillors had questioned whether the new line would cut journey times.

Some councillors said the sparse locations of the HS2 stations and the line's non-tilting trains would leave the area with fewer trains.

Mr Young said that members are concerned the new link could possibly be made at Lichfield, near the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.

He said: "This could involve a grade separated junction close by Lichfield, and lead to further harm to the local environment.

"The sooner this information is known the better as it will avoid ongoing uncertainty and concern."

Lichfield District Council formally announced its opposition to the £30 billion scheme. Staffordshire County Council has rejected the proposals, while Cannock Chase

Council has supported it, but only in return for improvements to the Chase Line running between Birmingham and Rugeley.

Birmingham City Council has given it its backing.