Case for HS2 link not made yet says senior councillor

WAKEFIELD Council chiefs remain unconvinced the proposed HS2 rail link would benefit the district as a deadline looms for the local authority to submit its views to the Government.

The council’s cabinet committee yesterday debated a report considering the impact the high- speed rail network would have on jobs, growth and the environment in Wakefield district.

HS2 would pass through Wakefield for 11.4 miles and would impact on council wards in Crofton, Ryhill and Walton, Featherstone, Normanton, Altofts and Whitwood and Stanley and Outwood.

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Coun Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s deputy leader, told yesterday’s meeting: “I don’t think they [HS2] have made the case yet.

“I think we need a lot more information and we need more consultation on behalf of the people we represent.

“There are problems in the rural areas like Crofton, Ryhill, Normanton and Altofts. These people need us to fight on their behalf and get the best benefits we can if this does go ahead.”

Coun Maureen Cummings, cabinet member for environment and communities, said: “They talk about jobs in our area and I don’t think that’s going to happen.

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“The cost is spiralling from £33bn to £50bn. I would rather see the money put into the railway infrastructure as is.”

Wakefield Council’s leader, Coun Peter Box, said: “We have to make clear we welcome investment in the North. We don’t 
want to be perceived as an authority that doesn’t welcome investment.

“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. We seek engagement with government so we can get some guarantees about the investment we have spoken about.”

Coun Box added: “If HS2 is going to happen and there are economic benefits for the city region, we need to be engaged to identify clearly as to how they would benefit the city of Wakefield.”

Councillors will further debate the HS2 proposals at a meeting of full council on Wednesday, November 13.

The council is due to give its formal response to the HS2 proposals by January 31.