Ceramics boss backs Stoke’s campaign for HS2 link

CERAMICS firm Steelite International has joined Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s fight to secure a high speed rail line and station for the city.

The Middleport manufacturer, which employs more than 800 staff, has backed the local authority’s campaign to convince government ministers that an HS2 line through the city would be the best option for the UK and the taxpayer.

The authority submitted plans in January for the alternative route, which would deliver high speed connectivity to the North West seven years earlier than the government’s original proposal; a move it claimed would save up to £5bn and minimise the environmental impact of the scheme.

If successful, the plan would transform the city’s economy, creating thousands of new jobs and put Stoke-on-Trent at the heart of a new economic super-region spanning Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire.

Kevin Oakes, Steelite International’s chief executive said he fully supported the city council’s submission to the government, and called on other big employers from the area to throw their weight behind the city’s HS2 bid.

He said: “It is essential that North Staffordshire is connected to this service. Our economy, our future prosperity and ultimately, the heritage on which many of our businesses stand, will be severely detached and damaged if we are bypassed by HS2.”

Oakes, left, also backed the council’s e-petition to government, which aims to demonstrate to ministers the strength of local public support behind the HS2 submission.

He added: “I would urge everyone in the city to sign the council’s petition and show the government that Stoke-on-Trent is the best option for HS2.”

Cllr Paul Shotton, the city council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Steelite’s support for our HS2 plans is a massive boost to our campaign and shows that the major wealth creators and influencers in our city truly understand the importance of what high speed rail can do for Stoke-on-Trent.

“I would echo Kevin Oakes and urge all local employers to get behind the city and show the government that we mean business. HS2 is the best option for Stoke-on-Trent, the region and the UK, and will unlock enormous benefits for all people in the city in terms of more jobs, better housing and increased investment in local public services.”