Campaign group calls for HS2 ‘no’ vote

Councillors will vote on whether or not the council should support the controversial high speed rail link at a full council meeting at County Hall in Wakefield at 2pm.

HS2 would pass through Wakefield for 11.4 miles and impact on the historic nature reserve at Walton Hall Estate.

Earlier this month, members of (Altofts and Kirkthorpe) Against HS2 handed a 700-signature petition to Wakefield Council’s leader, Coun Peter Box who has previously questioned the investment potential of the £50bn scheme which could significantly cut journey times to London.

Altofts-based estate agent Stephen Abson, 45, is a member of the campaign group and is urging councillors to vote to oppose HS2.

”We have lobbied via e-mail various members of the cabinet committee. I’m hopeful that Wakefield Council will see sense and vote against HS2,” he said.

“I would urge them to see that there is no benefit to either the people of Wakefield, other than getting to London 20 minutes quicker.

“And there will be massive environmental impact both during construction and when and if it is built.”

Last week, an alternative HS2 plan was put forward by the Conservative MP for Elmet and Rothwell, Alec Shelbrooke, which would re-route the scheme nearer Stanley and Lofthouse.

Mr Abson said he would not support any alternative proposal, adding: “I’m completely opposed to the whole HS2 scheme.”

Last November, council leader Coun Box told a meeting of the council’s cabinet committee: “We feel there should be more investment hand in hand with HS2 if it goes ahead there should be investment in the district and between the cities in West Yorkshire.”