New information makes case for other HS2 routes

HS2’s response to a freedom of information request made by activists against the proposals shows routes along existing transport corridors would add from one to nine minutes to journeys from London to Birmingham.

These options are preferred by those who live near to where ‘route 3’ is planned.

John Lee, chairman of the Southam Action Group Against HS2, said: “It seems the Government, both past and present, would like to gouge a new railway superhighway through the Chilterns area of natural beauty, and virgin Northamptonshire and Warwickshire countryside, blighting thousands of acres of valuable farming and green belt land and tens of thousands of lives and homes, merely to reduce journey times from London and Birmingham by between one and nine minutes, rather than by utilising existing transport corridors.

“Doubtless cost will be a primary justification, although there is no doubt that railway upgrades would be better integrated and provide a better service, within existing infrastructure, from both passenger and freight perspectives.

“But the cost paid by our fast diminishing landscape and for the people who would live within sight and sound of the noise and ugliness the current proposal would bring, would be a price too far.”

Five plans alternative to route 3 have been considered.

These include a route through Hughenden Valley, which would take one minute longer.

Other routes would be integrated with existing lines or run alongside the M40 or M1 motorways.

HS2 action group chairmen attended a meeting of Warwickshire County Council’s overview and scrutiny committee to speak against the plans at Shire Hall in Warwick on Wednesday.

Jerry Marshall, of the Burton Green group, said: “The point we made was that it is important that they look at the national economic case because it can colour how they react to more local issues.

“It was very encouraging. Councillors who live along the line have been very active but many of the councillors there will not be affected by it.

“I picked up a sense of support for us and I hope in due course the council will come out against HS2.”

HS2 will be considered at the next full council meeting on December 14.