Transport secretary is backing HS2 plans

The proposed 250-mph HS2 route between London and Birmingham could also stretch further north to Manchester and Leeds.

The £33 billion plan was announced by the previous Labour Government in March but Transport Secretary Philip Hammond spoke in favour of the line at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on Monday.

He said: “By creating a smaller Britain, where literally journey times from Leeds to London would be about 80 minutes, we change the geography, we change the way people think and we change the opportunities that are available.”

Conservative party members will put forward a motion at the next full meeting of Warwick District Council urging fellow councillors to oppose the plans and to make preparations for the public consultation next year.

Cllr Michael Coker (Con, Kenilworth Abbey) said: “As far as Warwick district is concerned we see no benefit whatsoever but only damage to people’s homes, businesses and amenities and the devastation of the green belt particularly near Kenilworth where it will be completely destroyed.”