Warwickshire County Council has responded to the report of the Transport Select Committee on high speed rail.
Cllr Bob Stevens, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said:
“I believe that the committee report offers an unenthusiastic – and at best cautious – approach towards proceeding with HS2, and they have made it crystal clear that the Government must give much greater consideration to a range of issues and alternatives at their disposal.
“It is reassuring to note that the Transport Select Committee has acknowledged the deeply held and well-informed views on both sides of the debate.
“The country does need investment in a fully integrated transport infrastructure with good connectivity to the rail network and other proposed schemes in order to revitalise our economy and generate growth – this is absolutely vital to the national and regional economy.
“The committee emphasises that an integrated transport plan must be agreed before progressing with any high speed rail scheme and more detail is required on the financial and economic case and the environmental impacts of HS2.
“The report also acknowledges the devastating impact that the proposed scheme will have on the countryside and states that more investigation is necessary before any scheme is finalised.
“Our opposition to the £32 billion scheme is based on this lack of consideration being given to the alternatives to HS2 and that it offers poor value for money to the taxpayer, together with a flawed business case.”
While the County Council officially opposes HS2 it has ‘continued to work to ensure that the interests of Warwickshire residents have been represented throughout the process’.
Warwickshire has been working with borough and district colleagues, members of the 51m group which represents the local authorities along the route, the action groups and HS2 Ltd, to gather data and information about the scheme and its likely impact on the area.
For more information on the County Council’s views and for a link to the report and supporting documentation visit the website.
