HS2 rail junction plans are attacked

Fresh plans for a major junction of the HS2 rail line near Lichfield are revealed today, sparking criticism from Staffordshire County Council chiefs.

Proposals for a major intersection between Lichfield and Fradley have been discussed with bosses at the county council, who oppose the £32 billion link.

The line would provide 225mph trains between London and Birmingham by 2026 and two new stations in Birmingham. However county council cabinet member for transport Mike Maryon claims it will deliver no benefits to Staffordshire and will rip up swathes of countryside near Lichfield.

He said he was "alarmed" by today's revelations, alth-ough the Government will not confirm the routes and junctions until later this year. Another proposed junction which will take the train line to Leeds is sited outside Staffordshire, and Councillor Maryon welcomed those plans.

"While it is hopefully good news that the Leeds link will not touch Staffordshire, I am alarmed by the proposed Manchester line junction at Fradley," he said.

"We are set to have two high speed lines and a major intersection imposed on us here in Staffordshire."

He added: "The county council continues to support residents as they put forward proposals to HS2 officials for reducing noise or visual intrusion."