High speed rail defence needs a ‘shared’ approach

At a meeting on Wednesday, members of Warwick District Council’s executive committee considered details of a forthcoming report outlining the defence against plans to build a high-speed rail line through Warwickshire.

They also decided continue to develop a ‘shared understanding’ of the proposals with West Midlands Councils and other groups and authorities along planned route.

Cllr Michael Coker (Con, Kenilworth Abbey) said: “This question of consultation with other councils is essential.

“For us to bat our own corner or for the county to defend its own corner just doesn’t work.

“We can’t be in talks with Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and other councils along the line soon enough.

“It will affect the district tremendously and we must be prepared with all we can do.”

A public debate, to which representatives of HS2 and campaigners against the plans have been invited to make presentations, will take place in March.

But Cllr Dave Shilton (Con, Kenilworth Park Hill) suggested presentations should be made to the council next week.

He also warned about extra air traffic caused by the extension of Birmingham Airport’s runway which, when combined with high-speed trains, could cause worse emissions “than first envisioned”.

Speaking as the Liberal Democrat group observer, Cllr Alan Boad (Lib Dem, Leamington Crown) said the government is “set” on building HS2 and the main approach should be to influence its base design rather than trying to stop the plans.