Harsh realities of living with HS2 become clear
Huge maps, endless information boards, a scale model and even hi-tech sound booths greeted visitors to a consultation for the second phase of HS2.
The presentation in Armitage, near Rugeley, was a chance for villagers to find out the hard realities of what life might be like living beside the controversial £42.6bn high speed line.
Four sound booths gave visitors an impression of predicted noise levels at various distances from the line.
The line will cut through many miles of Staffordshire countryside, affecting villages including Great Haywood, Ingestre, Marston, and Swynnerton as it passes from Lichfield, past Stafford and up towards Stone on its way to Manchester.
The latest consultations got under way last month.
Phase Two will have huge consequences for Jill and Dale Port whose home at Far End Cottage, Kings Bromley, is just 150 metres from the proposed route.
Mr Port, a 64-year-old refrigerator engineer, had been planning to retire soon and sell up. "We're very upset. We bought the house eight years ago as an investment with a view to selling it after I retire next year and downsizing to become mortgage-free but this will affect the market value of our property and we won't be able to do that anymore," he said.
"It was very depressing when we found out about the route in January."
Wife Jill, 51, said: "It's the uncertainty.
"Property has always been one of the safest investments but it hasn't worked out that way."
Businesswoman Julia Allsopp, 42, of Bromley Hayes, Riley Hill, objects to the project on several fronts.
"On a general level, I'm against the cost and environmental impact of the scheme.
"But I also have personal objections as my home is really close to where the line is due to go.
"The sound booths are a joke – you can hear the birds more than the train."
IT consultant Donovan Artz, of Handsacre, had mixed feelings about the scheme.
"I acknowledge that we need to do something about the infrastructure in this country and move the economy on but I also understand people's concerns about the project.
"Personally the route is close to the canals and crosses many of the roads I use as a long-distance runner which will affect my enjoyment, and I run between 40- 60 miles a week." The
Phase One consultation in Lichfield – rescheduled after snow affected attendance in January – will take place at the Guildhall on Wednesday.
