Johnson’s HS2 rail line go-ahead welcomed
POLITICIANS in Southport and West Lancashire have welcomed news that the HS2 high speed rail scheme will go ahead.
The controversial project was given the goahead by Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week, despite fears over its soaring cost and impact on the environment.
The Prime Minister was speaking in Parliament last week where, as expected, he confirmed that work on the first parts of the line – between London and Birmingham, and then on to Crewe will begin.
The second phase of the project, which would proceed from Crewe to Manchester and from Birmingham
to the East Midlands and Yorkshire, will be reviewed to make sure it is value for money.
Mr Johnson told the Commons that his government had the “guts to take the decision” to deliver prosperity throughout the country and that, in order to avoid “further blow-outs” in HS2’s cost or schedule, a series of measures will be taken to “restore discipline to the programme”.
This will include appointing a minister whose full-time job will be to oversee the project and changes to the way HS2 is managed.
The announcement follows the completion of a government-commissioned review by former HS2 Ltd chairman Douglas Oakervee into whether or not the programme should be scrapped.
Among those to offer a qualified welcome to the announcement was Southport MP Damien Moore, who said that local improvements in the North must also be carried out.
He said: “We need to deliver better rail infrastructure nationally, but not at the cost of smaller much-needed rail projects locally.
“I welcome the clear commitment by the Prime Minister that infrastructure commitments in the North will not be compromised for HS2.”
The news was well received at Lancashire County Council, where the cabinet member for economic development said that it would “undoubtedly bring new opportunities for the whole county”.
County Cllr Michael Green said: “While possible construction could still be a few years away, we’re already looking at how we can be in the right position to benefit from HS2.
“Lancashire is already home to world-class companies, especially in advanced manufacturing. It’s vital to have good transport connections to attract highly-skilled workers and create new opportunities for people and businesses who are already here.
“By making it easier for people to come to Lancashire and for us to reach other parts of the country, HS2 would bring many opportunities to create new jobs and bring new economic growth to the county.”
MP for Sefton Central, Bill Esterson, argued that improvements to local rail and bus links must also be made in order for the North West to benefit.
He said: “The UK’s rail network has lagged behind much of continental Europe for too long.
“The extra capacity HS2 will create on the West Coast Main Line will be vital for improving local commuter services and taking more freight by rail, which is desperately needed to tackle air pollution and the climate crisis.
“East-West links are as important as NorthSouth, so the announcement on Northern Powerhouse rail is welcome although short on detail, and I will be writing to ministers to ask for clarification on this. It is vital that Liverpool is included in this project and is able to enjoy the benefits of improved connectivity.
“There are legitimate and very serious concerns about the incompetent handling of HS2 by the Conservative government and alongside the Lib Dems in coalition.
“Current estimates are that it will cost a staggering £307m per mile.
“The government’s indecision and delay has led to spiralling costs.
“Now the decision has been taken, the government must move ahead as quickly as possible and build the local rail and bus services that are needed to make the most of this investment.”