HS2 FINAL PUSH

Wednesday, July 20 2011

West Midlands MEP Mike Nattrass has called on people to stand up for the interests of the region as the final whistle is set to be blown on the public consultation on HS2.

The UKIP MEP, who is a member of the EU’s Transport & Tourism Committee, says it is still not too late to have a say on the proposed multi-billion pound High Speed Rail 2 project which would wreck the region’s countryside for no good reason.

Public consultation on HS2 is due to end on July 29 and as this deadline draws ever nearer members of the Stop HS2 campaign are using their new headquarters in Kenilworth as a base from which to make a final effort to chase responses.

Commenting this week, Mr Nattrass said: “It is not too late for people to have their say on HS2 and stand up for the interests of this region.

“Many local authorities across the West Midlands are formally opposed to this unnecessary scheme which will cost more than £35billion.

“HS2 will destroy our countryside without helping the region’s economy. Birmingham would be turned into a backwater as HS2 would lead to an increase in people commuting to London to work, thus losing vital skills from the region.

"Birmingham Airport will betaken over as a major London Airport and the increase in flights to Birmingham for London-bound passengers has not yet been understood by local people.

“I welcome news that members of the Stop HS2 campaign have opened their national headquarters in Kenilworth. These precious days before the July 29 should not be wasted – have your say on HS2”.

Stop HS2 campaign coordinator Joe Rukin, said: “The campaign has needed a focal point and offices for some time now and when the consultation ends soon the work will become more specialised, more coordinated, and focused on specific tasks.

“It is also going to start getting more expensive as the strategy develops and so we will be launching a big funding drive.”

Published in:
Coventry Telegraph.net