Stafford residents meet over HS2 concerns

The community information event was held in the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre yesterday and encouraged locals to ask questions to the people in charge of the project.

Phase 2a of HS2 is due to open in 2027 and will carve through 45 miles of Staffordshire countryside on its way from the West Midlands through to Crewe.

Now, local residents have had the chance to ask questions on the issues that affect them along the proposed railway route.

Adrian Bunn, aged 73, from Stafford, said: "I know or two people that it has impacted, people have fears over HS2 and I can't see where the money is going.

"I think it will be a bit elitist and not for the working class people.

"I travel on the train quite often, and I can barely get a seat, I feel the money should be put towards bringing our current railways up to scratch.

"The roads are also atrocious with potholes, so money could spent there."

Another resident from Stafford, who wished to stay anonymous, said: "It wish it wasn't happening at all."

Tory MP Jeremy Lefroy was among a number of MPs who were fighting for residents to receive compensation if they were affected by the plans, earlier this year.

His chief of staff James Contrill, who attended the event, said: "These meetings are vital, judging on the amount of people that are here, it's very successful.

"It's vital for people to be able to see exactly what's planned and this is now the next stage of HS2, showing extra land that will have to be taken, some compulsory purchases in there for different resources and facilities that have to be replaced.

"We're also very pleased to see that some land will be allocated for spoil to be put on the side of the track, rather than being taken away on the roads, so that should alleviate some of our concerns about the roads.

"It's very important for people to be able to engage and speak to the people who are planning HS2 and to find out what it will mean for our area.

"It will certainly answer some of their questions, some people will still be concerned that this is planned in their area and we've spent the last five or so years dealing with concerns that residents have, but I think it is important that people can come and ask the question and we're grateful that they've come to Stafford.

"There are frustrations but we are working as hard as we can to support constituents who want their houses purchased by HS2, there are a significant number of houses that have been purchased.

"Obviously there will be folks that are disappointed and we're trying to work with them to see how we can help.

"Whatever you do, not everyone will be happy, the key is to listen to them and do what we can to help.

"The guys at HS2, talking to them now, have been very helpful in trying to deal with a few situations.

"Not everyone will be happy, it's a major project, it will cause difficulties but the positive is that the people here seem willing to try and solve as many problems as they can."

An HS2 Ltd spokesperson said: “HS2 will provide vital new railway capacity, create new jobs and drive economic growth. Already hundreds of companies in the Midlands have delivered work for HS2.

“During October we held six public information events across Staffordshire to talk to local people and listen to their views on our latest proposals for the new railway. This forms part of our extensive community engagement programme.

“Our Community and Environment Funds, will help support locally-led environmental projects to create a green corridor alongside the new railway”.