HS2 East Midlands leg ‘to be scrapped next week’
The East Midlands leg of HS2 will be officially scrapped next week, according to Government sources.
ITV News Central reports that when the Government publishes its review into the cost-effectiveness of the entire project next Friday (18 October), the leg which was slated to stop at Toton will be dropped.
ITV News Central says the route from Birmingham through to the East Midlands and then onto Leeds is “definitely dead” – and the entire project is at risk as costs spiral above £100bn.
Sources close to the review panel and the HS2 project are now “gravely concerned” about the whole project.
Reports say that one option would be to build the London to Birmingham route, but at reduced speeds to make make the track cheaper. However, other sources have told ITV News that following the review by Douglas Oakervee the entire project could be scrapped as it will cost more than it delivers.
A Department of Transport spokesperson told ITV News: “The Secretary of State published the Allan Cook report as soon as Parliament returned, providing the Chairman’s updated assessment of costs and schedule.
“The independent review into HS2, led by Douglas Oakervee with Lord Berkeley as deputy and a panel of advisers, will provide the department with clear advice on how and whether the project should proceed.
“We are not going to pre-empt or prejudice this work with a running commentary on the review’s progress.”
The review of the cost-effectiveness of HS2 was launched in August. West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is part of the panel that is assisting.
Regional transport body Midlands Connect said it would be “submitting compelling evidence to the review concerning the benefits of HS2 to the whole of the Midlands”.
Its director Maria Machancoses said: “The massive benefits of HS2 to the Midlands are already being felt. Although a review must rightly scrutinise the project’s deliverability, benefits and costs, we must not lose sight of the fact that HS2 will transform our transport network for the next century. Scrapping it or de-scoping it would be a disaster for the Midlands and the whole country.
“We’re pleased that West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is on the review panel to promote the interests of the region. But it’s vital that the East Midlands isn’t ignored in this process either.”
