Campaigners secure debate on controversial HS2

Staffordshire County Council does not want to join the 51M group amid fears it would cost too much money.

But protesters say it would give the authority a greater voice to reduce the impact on the county.

Now the full council will discuss whether to join 51M at a meeting tomorrow (Thur) after enough names were collected to secure the debate.

Stafford Borough and Lichfield District councils are already part of the 51M group.

The petition states: "We ask the county council to join many other local and county councils and to join the 51M group. This is the group of local authorities who are fighting the blight of HS2 through their communities. Their voice against the project is much louder the more authorities who join. If you care about the people of Staffordshire you will lend your weight to the 51m group. Lichfield District Council has joined so please help them too.

"We understand that the county council has already considered this and refused to join on the grounds of cost. It has been confirmed by the 51M group that no cost exists or are required, just lending the support of the county council will go a long way in helping those people in Staffordshire blighted by HS2."

After a 15-minute debate the council can then choose to refer the mattter to the cabinet for consideration.

The council has maintained it is better for them to support residents to reduce the impact of the scheme instead of trying to stop it and incur legal fees.

A report to councillor states: "If the council is able to reach agreement and is not required to appear before committee the likely costs are estimated to be £140,000.

"If the council does not resolve all its concerns by agreement, and decides to appear at the Select Committee stage, then additional costs – including legal counsel's fees – will arise."

It came as an influential group of MPs visited Birmingham as they start to examine plans for HS2.

The HS2 Hybrid Bill Select Committee looked at the site of the proposed Curzon Street station.

They were also visiting the site of a proposed depot in Washwood Heath as well Castle Bromwich and the Kingsbury Oil Terminal in Warwickshire along the route of the high speed line.