Yorkshire & North-East Derbyshire Against HS2 'delighted' by the recent decision to scrap the Eastern leg
The Government announced their intentions on Thursday
'Yorkshire & North-East Derbyshire Against HS2' say they're 'delighted' by the Government's recent decision to scrap the Eastern leg of the high-speed rail project.
Instead, ministers are going to upgrade services locally - meaning the Northern Powerhouse Rail project won't see many new lines either.
Some critics argue the new integrated rail plan will leave parts of northern England at an economic disadvantage though.
However, campaigner Sandra Haith-who lives in the Bramley area of Rotherham-tells us she's always doubted the practicality of HS2:
"Why build a line that isn't necessary? I just can't tell you how pleased I am, and I just feel so sorry for people in other places across the country who are still impacted by this.
"I've had jitters in my stomach for days and days, just waiting on the outcome. We wanted to make sure it was scrapped and not mothballed, because we didn't want people to still be living under this blight for years to come.
Mrs. Haith went on to tell us that she believes the work done behind the scenes by the 'Yorkshire & North-East Derbyshire Against HS2' action group had an influence on yesterday's announcement by the Transport Secretary:
"I've no doubt in my mind that the information we've kept producing and sending on has had some impact on the Government's decision to scrap the Eastern leg of the project, which would've seen so many homes bulldozed in our local communities.
"Obviously, money is to do with it as well. We've been providing this kind of information to the Government and Northern leaders since 2016, demonstrating why the Eastern leg wouldn't have brought any benefits.
"It's gone on for five and a half years, which's impacted the lives of residents across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and West Yorkshire, which's unfair.
"We're over the moon that we've finally got some certainty on HS2 though, and it's worth celebrating with a glass of champagne!"