The high speed rail route between London and the West Midlands has been altered after furious opposition from residents.

The new preferred HS2 route announced by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond  will bypass Lichfield and Whittington.

The 250mph line will take passengers between Birmingham and the capital in just 49 minutes.

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant said: “They have abandoned the railway viaduct which would have flown over Britannia Park in Lichfield and blighted the lives of people living in hundreds of as well as being an eyesore across most of Lichfield.

“The train will be forced to slow down as it approaches Lichfield district from the south as the track takes an inverted ‘S’ bend passing roughly midway between Lichfield and Whittington then swinging to the left to pass east of Streethay and heading out to the north west.

“Many in Lichfield and Whittington will regard it as a major victory.

“I am aware that this new route will still cause huge difficulties for those in its path, but it greatly minimises the effect on residents of Lichfield district. Far fewer people will now be affected.”

There will now be a five-month public consultation into the route starting in February.