HS2 assertions very wide of the mark

CLEARLY Nigel Starbuck (Time to backtrack on ludicrous HS2 plan”, Opinion, January 1) is not a supporter of HS2. The project does indeed divide public opinion, but the statements made by Nigel in his letter to justify either scrapping or curtailing the development do not stand up to scrutiny. To state that there is “limited progress taking place at the Birmingham end” is very wide of the mark.

Currently, 13,000 people are working directly on the project, with many more involved in the supply chain. Work is taking place at many locations, but the sections of the line that will take the longest time have started first. They include the ten mile twin bore tunnel through the Chilterns. The highly specialised tunnel boring machines (and yes they are German) are being now being assembled on site to commence operation very shortly – a task that will take three years to complete.

Mr Starbuck also suggests that Network Rail uses Italian-made rails. Whilst there was some concern when the British Steel plant at Scunthorpe was threatened with closure, that didn’t happen, and 95 percent of Network Rail’s steel rail is presently manufactured at Scunthorpe.

Mr Starbuck also suggests that all the components for HS2 will have to be imported. He clearly believes in the idea that we do not make anything in the UK anymore. That is a complete nonsense, and an insult to the many local people that work in the construction and rail industries.

Neil Stafford West Bridgford