Scrapping of HS2 gets a mixed reaction with Black Country commuters
Members of the Black Country public have reacted with bemusement and some regrets to this afternoon's announcement that the northern leg of HS2 is to be scrapped.
The decision to cancel the Manchester to Birmingham line of the speed rail project was confirmed at Conservative Party conference by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in Manchester earlier today.
In the same speech, Sunak also pledged to "reinvest every single penny" of the HS2 money into hundreds of new transport projects across the north of England and the Midlands.
People in Tettenhall spoke to the Express & Star about the axing of the remaining HS2 project, and on where they believe the funds should be reinvested.
Darren Ashbourne, 45, of Pipehill, said: "I believe that it would have had a huge effect on the area if it was completed. It would have meant more accessible, faster travel across the country.
"I think they should have seen the project through, but in spite of that, funding more travel projects across the nation is also good I suppose. I think I would have liked to see the funds moved into greener projects though."
Others felt the the project should have been stopped in its tracks much sooner.
Barry Green, a Tettenhall resident, said: "I'm not really sure to be honest. I think people would have used it if it was finished.
"I think the money would be better used on the high streets, or on the NHS."
Pat Clarke and Julia Lippit, also from Tettenhall, said: "I think it only saved half an hour apparently, from Birmingham to Manchester. I think the money would have been better spent on improving the rail network that we have.
"It just seems a shame that they have decided now, I think they should have decided before they caused so much disruption to everyone. I think the money should definitely be used to improve the existing rail services."
The funds for the HS2 project will now be diverted to hundreds of transport projects across the country, including public transport, road surfacing, A-road and motorway upgrades, and the protection of the £2 bus fare cap.
Robert Drewett, also from Tettenhall, said: "I think it was a necessary investment and I think it would have gone well. I think the country needed it and the work that it brings.
"Rishi did say that he was going to put the money that he saved into the northern project. I think HS2 was a good project, and it should have gone forward."
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