HS2 viaduct will blight people’s lives

THE revised plan for Phase B of HS2 does nothing to alleviate the ongoing misery for thousands of residents in Woodlesford, Oulton and Rothwell.

The change only serves to increase the long lasting negative impact as it shortens the tunnel and creates a 20ft-high viaduct that will blight people’s lives for generations. Nor does it reduce in any way the negative environmental impact that construction work will have on the area for eight years.

The revised plans are Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s attempt to suggest that he has listened to concerns, is mindful of environmental impact and has a handle on costs.

Like Mr Grayling, it is failing.

No doubt this latest minor adjustment in the map has cost millions in consultancy fees.

Continued delays of investment in existing public transport, specifically, rail travel in the North of England will continue to cost jobs, business growth and harm further our environment.

If the Conservative government’s long game is to scrap HS2, now is the time to do that. Before more money is wasted or opportunity squandered, they should be honest and ditch this plan in favour of investment in rail networks and clean rolling stock for the north of England.