HS2 work in Staffordshire continues despite uncertainty about second phase
Work is currently continuing on the controversial HS2 line through Staffordshire despite speculation on whether or not the project will go ahead north of Birmingham, county councillors have been told.
Questions have been raised in recent days about plans for the high speed rail line between Birmingham and Manchester
Earlier this year it was revealed that construction of the section between Birmingham and Crewe was to be delayed by two years, with rising costs being highlighted as an issue.
But representatives from HS2 Ltd told members of Staffordshire County Council on Thursday that while work in some areas was being paused, in parts of the first phase, which runs up to the south of the county near Lichfield, it was still taking place.
Paul Mullins, a community engagement manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “I think it’s fair to say HS2 is quite topical at the moment and there is lots of speculation about what may or may not happen about the project.
"But for us in this moment in time, the steer from the Government is it’s very much going to go to Manchester.
“There are a couple of areas that are currently paused; some of those elements are in my area in Phase 1 and Phase 2a.
