‘Not too late to stop scheme’

IT IS not too late to axe the HS2 high speed rail scheme, according to an MP.

Construction of the high speed line connecting London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester officially began last week, though work will not begin in earnest until next year.

But North Warwickshire and Bedworth Conservative MP Craig Tracey is backing a competition which has been launched to find better ways of spending HS2’s massive budget of more than £50 billion.

It has been organised by pressure group the Taxpayers’ Alliance, which is asking people to suggest alternative transport schemes.

Mr Tracey said: “Official figures suggest that HS2 could cost around £56 billion in infrastructure spending. This could be reinvested in improving transport links around the country, including upgrading existing services and providing entirely new infrastructure.

“The Great British Transport Competition is asking individuals and organisations from across the UK to submit ideas for alternative transport infrastructure projects.

“Entries will be judged by an expert panel, including qualified surveyors, policy thinkers and transport industry experts. The winning bids will then be professionally costed and presented to Ministers for their consideration.”

HS2 bosses say the planned high speed rail network, which has already cost £4.1 billion, will provide a huge boost to the UK’s economy lasting 100 years.

It currently employes 7,000 people and the number would increase to 15,000 in 18 months and 30,000 in five years.