Have HS2, will travel

The Government has released its preferred route for hs2 Phase 2b (at least, most of it), the section that runs from Crewe to Manchester and the West Midlands to Leeds. The bit that’s still a work in progress is around sheffield— there has been controversy as to where the station will be, causing a two-year delay in the route’s publication.

The original proposed station at Meadowhall shopping centre was scrapped and a city-centre stop could replace it, but this would involve the line cutting through the shimmer estate in south Yorkshire, a new housing development, and the demolition of up to 200 homes, which has severely disgruntled local MP ed Miliband, not to mention those who live there.

Farmers who have been in suspense for the best part of three years are none too happy either; the route hasn’t changed much from the initial brief. ‘The NFU will continue lobbying hard for those farming businesses affected by these plans,’ comments senior landmanagement adviser Louise staples. ‘We will support our members through the process and fight for the best deal over levels of compensation.’ Anyone living within 60m (200ft) of the route is entitled to compensation, although the department for Transport has said that this can be extended.

The first phase of hs2, linking London and the West Midlands, is due to be completed in 10 years’ time and building work will start next year. The next section, to Crewe (Phase 2a), is due to open a year later in 2027. however, the majority of this second Y-shaped section, if completed on schedule, won’t be in use for another 17 years. Visit www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/high-speed-twolimited for further information