Calls for Staffordshire to be included in future rail plans
That's after a new rail link was announced between Birmingham and Manchester
Staffordshire County Council is calling on the government to include the county in discussions on the future rail link between Birmingham and Manchester.
Acting Leader Martin Murray has asked for an urgent meeting with the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
That's after the government announced new rail plans under the Northern Powerhouse Rail project.
The proposed Birmingham to Manchester line is expected to cut through Staffordshire.
Cllr Murray says Staffordshire County Council wasn't consulted about the plans, and insists Staffordshire not be overlooked.
He said in a statement, “This announcement was made without prior engagement with the Council, and it follows a concerning pattern in which decisions have been announced with little or no direct dialogue with the County Council, despite our efforts over the past two years to establish effective, meaningful and constructive engagement on this matter.
“The Council remains committed to acting constructively and professionally, but we will not allow Staffordshire to be cut through, cut out or forgotten.
“Our communities have endured years of disruption and destruction due to the failed and mis‑handled HS2 programme, and the absence of detail accompanying the latest announcement leaves residents and businesses facing further uncertainty - potentially for the next decade and beyond. This is unacceptable, and clarity is urgently required.
“Just because the county is not represented by an elected mayor and combined authority does not mean it can be ignored. We will not be the forgotten county.”
The Secretary of State said, “This won’t be a revival of HS2 and no decisions have been taken on the specification or timetable.”