HS2 roadshow takes place in Northampton

A roadshow to discuss the proposed HS2 high speed rail scheme took place at Northampton Railway Station today (Tuesday, April 12).
The day long event, which lasted from 7am to 7pm, allowed rail travellers the chance to have their say on the controversial plans.
HS2 is a Y-shaped high speed rail network linking London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Trains on the line would run up to 250mph and save passengers 35 minutes on journeys from the capital to Birmingham.
But the scheme is not without it's detractors, with opponents saying it will destroy large parts of the countryside.
Campaigners against the plans staged a protest at the station between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Members of the South Northants Action Group (SNAG) unfurled a large banner and handed out leaflets to passers-by.
The Hunsbury Herald has listed below a brief outline of some of the reasons for and against the scheme. These are general points and by no means paint the whole picture.
For more information visit the Government's HS2 website or that of the national opposition group Stop HS2.

Arguments for HS2

• A high speed rail network would create a platform for long-term economic growth
• HS2 will generate benefits of aorund £44billion and 40,000 jobs
• Rail times would be greatly reduced

Arguments against HS2

• High speed trains will generate more intrusion than conventional trains, particularly air-born sound and ground vibration
• HS2 will pass through a large swathe of countryside including not just agriculture, but habitable and heritage locations
• The business plan is flawed and will mainly benefit London rather than the regions the line passes through

To take part in the consultation, which runs until Friday, July 29, visit http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk or write to Freepost RSLX-UCGZ-UKSS, High Speed Rail Consultation, PO Box 59528, London, SE21 9AX.> What do you think of HS2? Comment below or take part in our poll, 'Is HS2 a good idea?', on our Homepage.