Anti-HS2 campaigners say more cuts to come after Sheffield plan dropped
Campaigners opposed to the High Speed 2 rail project claimed "there will be more cuts to come'' after it was recommended that plans for a new station in Sheffield should be dropped.
Campaigners opposed to the High Speed 2 rail project claimed "there will be more cuts to come'' after it was recommended that plans for a new station in Sheffield should be dropped.
HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for building the north-south rail link, published a report which proposed that services should go along the existing line to Sheffield Midland station in the city centre rather than a new one at Meadowhall.
Sheffield City council had called for such a move amid concerns over the convenience and the ground conditions of Meadowhall, which is on the outskirts of the city.
If the new plan is supported by the Department for Transport it is expected to save around ÂŁ1 billion.
Whitehall spending watchdog the National Audit Office last week warned that the ÂŁ55.7 billion railway is facing financial pressures, with some elements "currently unfunded''.
Joe Rukin, campaign manager for Stop HS2, said:
"This cut to the HS2 project is one in a long line of cuts, and it is certain there will be more cuts to come, but the irony is it is a vindication of all those who said any new high speed link should go into existing stations.''
He claimed the move demonstrates that HS2 Ltd "desperately need to cut their ever-spiralling costs''.
Sir Nigel Knowles, chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said he was "delighted'' by the announcement.
HS2 Ltd's report notes that trains could potentially also call at Chesterfield, while the possibility of building a parkway station on the proposed route - which partly follows the M18 motorway - will be investigated.
David Higgins, HS2 Ltd chairman, commented:
"I have listened to the very constructive comments and discussions that have taken place on how HS2 should best serve South Yorkshire and recommend the option of HS2 services using the existing city centre station.
"Decisions of this scale sometimes involve compromise, and through dialogue I believe we have reached the best solution for South Yorkshire.''
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin acknowledged there were "passionate arguments'' about how HS2 should serve the region.
He said he will consider the report and make an announcement on the route later this year.
The first phase of the high-speed line is expected to be completed by around 2026 and will reduce London to Birmingham rail times by 32 minutes.
A second Y-shaped phase, taking the line to north-east and north-west England and beyond, is due to be completed by around 2032/33.