Members of the public will have the chance to quiz representatives from HS2 Ltd - the company set up by the Government to consider the case for a new high speed rail service between London and Scotland - between 7.30am and 7pm on Tuesday (April 12).
The session will concentrate on the impact of the proposed line between London and Birmingham. Network Rail figures show the West Coast Line will reach capacity by 2024 and HS2 aims to free up space on the commuter line with the number of direct services to London Euston from Northampton increasing from 35 to 51 trains.
The new line also aims to reduce journey times between London and Birmingham by 30 minutes.
But many residents in South Northants have criticised the proposals, saying the line will cut a destructive path through the countryside.
They are backed by South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsom, who has questioned the need for a 250mph train.
Chairman of HS2 Ltd Sir Brian Briscoe said: "Our work has shown that there is a real need for HS2 to relieve the ever worsening problems of over-crowding on our trains.
“I would encourage the people of Northampton to come along to the stand to discuss any questions they may have.
“This is your opportunity to find out more about the Government’s proposals and how to respond to the consultation.”
If current plans are approved, the HS2 route would run from Euston to Old Oak Common in north-west London, on along the Chiltern Line corridor to West Ruislip and then across the Colne Valley. From there it would pass just north of Amersham, on towards Aylesbury and along the disused Great Central Line to Calvert and east of Brackley before heading north towards Birmingham.
The Northampton event is one of 30 roadshows across areas affected by the route as part of a public consultation due to end on Friday, July 29.
For more information visit http://www.highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/
* What do you think? Is high speed rail a vital development for travel and business needs? Or is it an unnecessary eyesore set to destroy our green and pleasant land?
Let us know your view by commenting below or emailing hunsburyherald@hotmail.co.m
Alternatively answer our 'Is HS2 a good idea' poll on the Homepage of this site.
You poll is questioned very badly. HSR already exists in this country and HSR can be a sustainable transport option. HS2 is one project which is unsustainable as it is ultra high speed at 250mph which is completely inefficient. Pleased do not coerse people into supporting HS2 by this poor question. Most people would/will support HSR but not HS2.
ReplyDelete@chair While I can assure you it was not my intenet to coerce anyone to either support or oppose HS2 or high speed rail in general, you make a fair point. As such I have changed the Poll question to, 'Is HS2 a good idea?' and removed all exisiting votes,
ReplyDeleteFor the record the results of the original poll, 'Are you in favour of high speed rail' before it was removed were: 2 Yes, 10 No.
Thanks for your comment.