Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) is deeply concerned that the NIC report published today puts forward an option for scaling back the eastern leg of HS2.
Terminating the ‘Eastern Leg’ of HS2 at East Midlands Parkway would undermine the proposed development of the area around Toton, whilst significantly reducing both passenger and freight capacity on the existing classic rail route between the East Midlands and the North.
Elaine Clark, CEO RFM said “The East Midlands HS2 Strategic Board and its partners have put a huge effort into developing plans for regeneration and economic development around Toton and Chesterfield; to scale back proposals now would completely undermine the government’s levelling up agenda.
“Our rail supply chain will understandably be very concerned that all the promises of opportunities to work with HS2 will be significantly scaled back. If we are to build back better and greener then HS2 must connect our region to Yorkshire and beyond.
“HS2 is is a long-term investment that can deliver a railway fit for the future and that will serve generations to come. We call on the government to fulfil its previous commitments and build HS2 in full.”
ENDS
For further information contact
Elaine Clark elaineclark@midlandsrail.co.uk
About Rail Forum Midlands (RFM)
Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) is the only regionally focussed rail trade organisation in the UK. Supporting the nationally and internationally important rail supply chain cluster across the Midlands RFM has over 220 members providing products and services across all aspects of the industry. RFM actively supports the national rail agenda and strategy, encouraging collaboration, promoting members’ capabilities, leading a number of regional skills initiatives and supporting innovation and export priorities. RFM is owned and governed by its members with a Board drawn from member companies. www.midlandsrail.co.uk
