Now that we are landed with HS2, we must capitalise on its benefits

sir – The deal is done. We must make the best of it. Maybe a cost-benefit analysis is in order.

We know the cost: approximately £106 billion.

Benefits:

1. An extended HS2 will give improved access to and from most areas of economic importance in the country for decades ahead, a long-term gain that should justify upfront cost.

2. Fast travel between north and south obviates the need for a third runway at Heathrow. New or enlarged airport capacity in the North thereby becomes a viable alternative.

3. The project cost is high but labour, materials and job skills can be sourced at home. Taxpayers’ money is thereby recirculated into the economy: it will go to remunerate indigenous labour and increase industrial output, favouring the North.

4. An extended period of construction gives industries time to gear their output to the project and the manufacture of the necessary material and equipment. The proposed freeport network could similarly benefit from all of the above.

If there is no way back, then capitalising upon these opportunities could be the way forward.

Graham Boon

Ardington, Oxfordshire

sir – Something had to be cancelled this week. Sadly it turned out to be my Conservative Party membership, not HS2.

Mary Work

Haltwhistle, Northumberland

sir – HS2 is not about speed but about capacity. In the 23 years since rail privatisation, passenger numbers have doubled, and are forecast to double again in the next 23 years. How is this going to happen without more track?

The present system is at saturation point and can take no more trains. Those who advocate “upgrading the present system” do not appreciate that this would be no cheaper, and the impact on the environment would be greater.

I sympathise with those who will lose their houses and are concerned about the loss of natural habitat, though this can be minimised.

We need more engineers at all levels to bring some expertise to what will be seen as a very worthwhile project.

Peter Harrold

Lincoln

sir – The Oakervee report into HS2 suggested that a capital saving could be made by not providing the junction with the West Coast Main Line at Handsacre (near Lichfield).

Not only would this prevent operation of the planned service to Stafford, Stoke-on-trent and Macclesfield, but having still to provide the services on the existing line to Euston would make the saving illusory. There is no second chance to get HS2 right. Relatively insignificant cost savings must not be allowed to hamstring its capacity and reliability for ever.

William Barter

Towcester, Northamptonshire