Business leaders in Staffordshire are calling for absolute clarity following reports that the Government is considering cutting costs to terminate the HS2 line before it reaches the centre of London.
Despite a denial by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt of newspaper claims that that the route might stop up short in the capital’s suburbs, question marks remain over the details of the multi-billion pound flagship project.
It was reported in The Sun that the central Euston terminus could be delayed to 2038 or scrapped completely as spiralling costs come under the microscope.
The line would finish at Old Oak Common and passengers would have to take the Elizabeth Line to get to their final destination, it was claimed.
Whereas the city is only seven minutes from London Euston by tube, transferring from Old Oak Common to Liverpool Street by the Elizabeth Line would take around 25 minutes.
However, Mr Hunt told the BBC he didn’t see “any conceivable circumstance” why HS2 would not terminate at Euston.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce called for further assurances that the route would remain in its present form, and for more firm details on the time-table.
“It would be totally unacceptable for HS2 not to reach the heart of the capital,” said Sara Williams, Chief Executive Officer, pictured above.
“The restriction of access to central London would have a negative impact on the connectivity which is at the heart of the HS2 project.
“In addition HS2 is part of the Levelling Up process and as such it is vital it connects the inner city with the regions.”
Lee White, chair of the HS2 Forum at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, added: “I would say the biggest issue is reputation – stopping the nation’s largest infrastructure in the last 120 years from reaching its destination is likely to make the UK a laughing stock of the international community.
“Just imagine the Japanese Shinkansen trains or the French TGVs stopping in the suburbs of Tokyo or Paris!”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The Government remains committed to delivering HS2 to Manchester, as confirmed in the Autumn Statement.
“As well as supporting thousands of jobs, the project will connect regions across the UK, improve capacity on our railways and provide a greener option of travel.”
If it doesn’t reach the Euston then the speed benefit is lost! what would be the point?