South Northants MP slams high speed rail plans

The region's MP has publicly criticised a Government colleague over plans to build a new high speed rail line in the constituency.
South Northamptonshire MP Andrea Leadsome said she was disappointed fellow Conservative Philip Hammond, the Secretary of State for Transport, had rejected the idea that slightly slower trains could run on the proposed 250mph HS2 line.
Mrs Leadsome met with the Runnymede and Weybridge MP on Tuesday (October 5) to discuss the project, which would see a new railway line run close to Brackley.
Residents oppose the plan saying it would damage the existing countryside, create noise pollution and that it runs too close to the town.
Accompanied by MP for North Oxfordshire Tony Baldry and members of the South Northants Action Group (SNAG), Mrs Leadsome met the Secretary of State to ask if it would be viable for the train to run at slower speeds.
But Mr Hammond said the 250mph train network is necessary to enable Britain to compete with the likes of China and Brazil in the 21st century.
He added that consultation will take place throughout 2011, but Mrs Leadsome said: ""I was disappointed that the Minister seems to be committed to the need for trains to have a speed of 250 miles per hour.
"This means that the track will have to be laid in a straight line. I believe we should be looking at existing transport corridors to deliver the improved infrastructure the UK needs. Very high speed trains give me safety concerns in a populated island like ours."
Up to 300 protesters greeted Mr Hammond and many attended a public meeting at Brackley Town Hall organised by Mrs Leadsome, who later urged people to write to the Secretary of State with their concerns.
Writing on her blog, Mrs Leadsome added: 'Local Councillors and members of SNAG joined me in expressing our disappointment that Philip Hammond seemed to have rejected the idea of slightly slower trains using a more environmentally sensitive route.
'There were many questions from the audience about why we need High Speed Rail. Many people seemed to accept that we need more train/road capacity, but feel that the cost in money and environmental terms of this particular proposal is too great and has not been properly justified as being in the national interest. There is also a great deal of anger about the poor communication, particularly following the latest route changes.
'I will certainly keep fighting against the proposed route and I know residents will do the same'.
The incident suggest that Mrs Leadsome, who was only elected to the South Northamptonshire seat at this year's general election, will not simply toe the party line and is prepared to stand up for her constituents, even when it means criticising a member of her own cabinet.