Final HS2 route could still change, says Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin
The final route of HS2, which is set to carve through miles of unblemished Staffordshire countryside, could still change, the Transport Secretary has revealed.
Patrick McLoughlin emphasised the path of phase two of the controversial high speed rail link was not yet 'confirmed' and alterations could still be made. HS2's preferred phase two route will cut a 45-mile swathe through Staffordshire from Swynnerton to Lichfield.
Speaking to the Express & Star, Mr McLoughlin said residents and authorities could still raise concerns on the £50bn plans.
He said: "We are out to consultation for phase two and haven't confirmed the route but we have gone out to consultation on it which includes compensation.
"I fully understand and respect the concerns of MPs who are representing the views of their constituents and we have set up the Exceptional Hardship Scheme for those in most severe need."
When asked if the route through Staffordshire could change, he added: "I cannot rule out anything.
"People may come out with things that they say will improve it. It is a process that is ongoing and ends on January 31 and a report comes to me as a result of that and I make a decision."
The comments came as the minister and former Cannock miner and councillor gave a keynote speech to more than 800 business leaders at a conference in Birmingham yesterday.
Top officials from HS2 were meeting with businesses as it launched its procurement programme for £10bn worth of contracts.
Mr McLoughlin told the Express & Star the contentious scheme would bring benefit to the whole country and, in particular, to the West Midlands.
He said: "There will be areas that don't get benefits from HS2.
"I saw one report that made an issue about Aberdeen not benefiting – well Aberdeen won't benefit from Crossrail or the Thameslink either.
"In my job as Transport Secretary I have to look at the benefits in the wider realm.
"I want to make sure that Cannock and Wolverhampton, areas incidentally that I know and grew up in, can benefit as well as anywhere else. We are desperately short of railways."
The minister also said he wanted to see British companies help to deliver the project.
He said: "We want to prepare British business for the opportunities that are coming. Something like 95 per cent of contractors are with British companies."
The first phase of the line from London to Lichfield via Birmingham has been confirmed.
