Posted on Monday 14th October 2024
Alan White
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.
Yours sincerely
Alan White
Leader of the County Council