THE Government is taking seriously a raft of ideas to “offset the damage” to residents living close to the proposed HS2 high-speed line.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening MP revealed HS2 engineers were now looking at environmental schemes put forward by community forums to minimise the noise and visual impact of HS2. And Ms Greening stressed: “There is still plenty of time ahead to influence decision making.”
The pledge was made in a letter to Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Mike Maryon.
Following her letter, Coun Maryon has urged residents to “keep fighting” for the best deal for communities set to be affected by HS2, which will run close to our city. Coun Maryon said: “The Secretary of State for Transport is imposing HS2 in the national interest.
“While we may not support it, if HS2 does go ahead, it is crucial that we work with local communities and do everything we can to lessen the environmental impact.
“It is also an opportunity to press for economic gains – for instance, by calling on Government to improve local rail services.”
Since HS2 was first put forward by the Government, the council has provided financial support and expertise to community groups to help them draw-up schemes to reduce the impact of the line.
Earlier this summer the council also appointed dedicated HS2 project manager Dean Sargeant to act as a direct link between community groups, local businesses and HS2 Ltd.
Coun Maryon added: “We don’t want HS2.
“But if it does go ahead, we will fight tooth and nail to get the best deal for Staffordshire residents and businesses, and that is where Dean comes in.”
Mr Sargeant said: “My role is to make sure local opinions are heard as we try to offset the environmental and social impact the project will cause.” For more, email dean.sargeant@staffordshire.gov.uk
