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UKIP leader Nigel Farage hits out at HS2

UKIP leader Nigel Farage hit out at plans for the controversial HS2 rail line through the Midlands as he tried to bolster support for next month's local elections.

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The outspoken politician joined campaigners against the planned multi-billion pound high speed rail line at a protest in Marston, near Stafford.

The 49-year-old said:?"Rather than £32 billion being spent on this, they should spend a fraction of it improving railways across the country."

He vowed to oppose the line, which would pass through the middle of Staffordshire and added: "We haven't got £32 billion anyway."

Residents have formed 19 campaign groups affected by HS2 in Staffordshire. Mr Farage said some of the money should instead be spent improving rail services across the country instead and there were fears HS2 would only serve to boost London's economy.

He also added on his visit yesterday that he thought his party stood a good chance in the Staffordshire county council elections.

"I have a feeling on May 2 we have got a chance to establish a real grip on the county council," he said.

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