A lot of news outlets reported about the Independent’s interview with Patrick McLoughlin: however there’s been some other more local items on HS2 as well.
Independent: Exclusive: Minister – ‘We will fast-track HS2 high speed rail’
The Government will defy “grief and hassle” from its own backbenchers and fast-track plans for a new high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham, the Transport Secretary has told The Independent.
Patrick McLoughlin dismissed suggestions that the Department for Transport’s financial modelling errors behind last week’s West Coast Main Line debacle would undermine High Speed Two. The project had the unequivocal backing of both David Cameron and the Chancellor, George Osborne, he added.
This is Cheshire: Fears for town’s rail link
A report on the impact of the HS2 high speed railway misses out Warrington Bank Quay on the list of stations which a West Cost Mainline train will call at if the new rail network linking London and the West Midlands first is built. …
Professor Steven Broomhead, interim chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, said: “We will be talking to HS2 Ltd following the report.
“We were always aware HS2 in 2033 would not directly call at Warrington.
“Now we have seen this report there will be increased passenger demand for the use of rail and there is a massive economic impact on a town like Warrington.”
Northampton Chronicle: Government will defy “grief and hassle” to push ahead with HS2
The Transport Secretary has said he will defy “grief and hassle” from Tory backbenchers to fast-track plans for the new high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham.
In an interview with The Independent, Patrick McLoughlin claimed the errors which have blighted the award of the West Coast Main Line franchise would not be an issue with HS2.
The proposed route would include South Northamptonshire, passing near Brackley and a number of villages.
Solihull News: Residents raise HS2 concerns at Hampton-in-Arden meeting
RESIDENTS on the front-line of the high speed rail development still have no clue about what compensation they’re entitled to….
Meriden MP, Caroline Spelman, added: “It can be difficult for residents in this position. When I started in this constituency [in 1997], there were still people trying to get compensation because they’d been affected by the building of the M42.”
BBC: Protest against overground HS2 route through Ealing
A 12-hour demonstration is taking place against plans for an overground High Speed 2 rail link through west London. [Ed: Today, Friday]
The demonstration, which will end at 19:30 BST, is taking place close to the gyratory, one of the busiest intersections in London.
Protesters say three footbridges, 12 road bridges, one rail overbridge, one river underbridge and one canal underbridge will need to be rebuilt.