Staffordshire ‘thrown under a train’ by rail link, says council leader
Proposals for a new rail link between the Midlands and North are “essentially throwing Staffordshire under a train” according to the leader of Staffordshire County Council.
In an open letter to the two metro mayors Andy Burnham and Richard Parker, Alan White says it was “disappointing and somewhat surprising” that there has been no attempt to discuss plans with the council, especially as the route “cuts through forty miles of Staffordshire countryside”.
White said: “Like you, I want to see growth, new jobs and opportunities for people across the Midlands and beyond, but this is not just about city regions, it includes Staffordshire and the 867,000 people who live here.”
He believes that Staffordshire should have its say on any proposals going forward through “meaningful consultation and engagement” and has asked that the business case for growth be shared “urgently”.
A private sector consortium proposed the Midlands-Northwest Rail Link (MNWRL) last month – an 80km rail line connecting the Midlands with northern towns and cities, to replace the now-cancelled HS2 phase 2a.
The MNWRL would be an alternative route between Lichfield and High Legh, connecting the Midlands to Northern Powerhouse Rail.
White’s full letter reads: “I read with interest the proposals set out for the Midlands North West Rail Link – a new line which looks to connect the Midlands to the North and make use of the route permitted by the now cancelled HS2 Phase 2a.
“This route cuts through forty miles of Staffordshire countryside, causing significant disruption to our residents, so it is disappointing and somewhat surprising that no attempt has been made to discuss any part of the latest proposals with the County Council.
“As a council, we did not support HS2, but nonetheless delivered our statutory role in a pragmatic, professional and timely manner, in the interest of minimising disruption to affected residents and maximising the economic benefit for the county.
“This was only possible through extensive communication between ourselves, HS2 Ltd and their contractors. I offer the same opportunity for meaningful consultation and engagement to you and the ARUP consortium.
“Like you, I want to see growth, new jobs and opportunities for people across the Midlands and beyond, but this is not just about city regions, it includes Staffordshire and the 867,000 people who live here.
“The current plans for the new rail link bring obvious disruption and continued uncertainty for many in our county, with no clear benefits, essentially throwing Staffordshire under a train.
“I ask that you urgently share the business case for growth, including any correspondence with the consortium around these plans with us and I look forward to an ongoing dialogue on the proposals.”
The consortium has been contacted for comment by TheBusinessDesk.com, with no immediate response received.
