The multi-billion pound London to Birmingham line would have a significant impact on part of Chelmsley Wood, with the route set to run right past Yorkminster Drive.
Concerns have also been raised about the increase in traffic and general disruption during the construction process.
Now signs of a shift in Labour ranks offer the first real hope to opponents that the plans may yet be derailed; up until now the leaders of the two main parties have both been in favour of the scheme.
Jeremy Corbyn (pictured), the veteran left-winger who has become the surprise frontrunner, appeared to come out against the scheme after warning that HS2 could "turn our great regional cities into dormitories for London businesses."
Fellow leadership hopeful Andy Burnham has suggested that improving east to west rail links should be more of a priority, while a third candidate, Yvette Cooper, is understood to have concerns about the escalating costs.
Only the fourth contender Liz Kendall, who polls suggest is trailing her rivals, has given the scheme unequivocal support.
Since detailed plans were unveiled in 2011, Solihull Council has been battling to minimise the impact of HS2 on local communities, although opponents of the scheme claim that efforts to win concessions have been largely fruitless.
Last month, local supporters sought to regroup, with business leaders and senior politicians publishing a report on how the West Midlands can capitalise on the development.
They claim the project would create more than 100,000 jobs, with ten per cent of these going to people who are currently unemployed.
Councillor Bob Sleigh, leader of Solihull Council, said: "Our intention is to use HS2 to build an economic, social and environmental legacy for Solihull and we are now working with key stakeholders to ensure that Solihull is prepared to reap the benefits of high speed rail."
No comments:
Post a Comment