Civic groups reject say no to rail plan

The Yorkshire and Humber Association of Civic Societies voted against the scheme by a narrow margin at the event, which was attended by members of 44 societies from Scarborough in the north to Barnsley in the south.

David Moss, the association’s vice-chairman, said: “It was important that YHACS offered the chance for people to debate the proposals and to give their views.

“It is a subject we shall undoubtedly return to over the next 21 years – not least when the line from Birmingham to Leeds is announced later this year.”

A bill which would move the HS2 project forward is widely expected to be dropped from this week’s Queen’s Speech, as the Prime Minister looks to appease disaffected voters following the local elections.

It is thought David Cameron may be looking to shelve the bill for now in the face of vehement opposition from people living in Tory heartlands in the Home Counties, where the first phase of the project will be built.

Earlier this week, leading figures from the region told the Yorkshire Post that the Government must not hesitate on the scheme, which will be extended to Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester when the first phase from London to Birmingham is complete.