Follow foresight shown by forebears

Reading the local press and the reaction of some of our local authorities, MPs, protest groups and other organisations, the theme is one of disapproval and the understandable response from individuals directly affected where the line would pass through their property.

The talk about the environmental damage and that better use could be made by improving the existing network has dominated the debate. Moreover, popular comment has focused around the need to spend so much just to save 30 minutes travel time between Birmingham and London. In my view these concerns rather miss the point.

We have not had any really significant investment in our railway network since Victorian times. Then, the creation of a new form of transportation initially resulted in a reaction not dissimilar from that which we are experiencing today. Landowners, politicians and the public raised huge concerns and worries about the damage that a railway might bring. Yet it led, of course, to the opening up of Britain and was the catalyst for the creation of our economic wealth.

The only shame was the failure to adopt Brunel’s Broad Gauge which would have led to the ability of the network to carry increased loads and reach even higher speeds. But that was not to be. Therefore, we now have a system which is overstretched, incapable of being radically improved and essentially worn out.

There has been considered debate by some groups about HS2 following existing transport corridors - for example the M1. In theory this has some merit until one considers the huge costs that would be involved where the corridor passes through existing built-up areas, costs not only of construction but also of rebuilding and relocation.

Alternatives suggest improving the current rail network through track widening and increasing the number of carriages. This argument is, I contend, flawed in that it depends on extending a worn out system and a need to significantly lengthen and rebuild station platforms.

Surely, the preferred route of HS2 offers us the real opportunity to link not only Birmingham and eventually Leeds, Manchester and Scotland through to Europe but also to reduce the ‘London centric’ thinking once and for all. We will also finally become one of the last advanced Western countries to incorporate a high speed network.

Furthermore, through taking premium rate fares off our existing rail system, we can then encourage greater and better use of our present network and lessen our obsession with the car and air travel that causes excessive pollution.

That there are environmental disbenefits to the countryside through which the route would pass is undeniable. Unlike extensive wind farms, as an example, the effects of HS2 can, in my opinion, be extensively mitigated but not completely of course. It is fascinating that lobbying by the Chiltern Group and Berkshire CPRE has resulted in tunnelling being actively considered through the Chilterns as part of the Government’s response to the HS2 consultation.

Perhaps, an acceptance of what will undoubtedly happen and constructive discussion as to how the most significant visual impacts can be mitigated against is where we should be channelling our thoughts.

Finally, there will be benefits to the economy in the construction of the line and the opportunities to local companies in responding positively. That of course is not just engineering organisations but also the services that would be needed to support the project and those agencies and groups involved in undertaking environmental mitigation. This, coupled with the business opportunities once the network is completed, is surely a potent argument in favour of HS2.

We need to follow the foresight shown by visionaries over a century ago and invest in our infrastructure rather than doing nothing or playing around at the edges. Failure to adapt will result in an era of decline and reliance upon an ever crumbling rail network held together with sticking plaster. Is this what we want for future generations? - Jerry Birkbeck, Campion Terrace. Leamington.