Wakefield Council opposes HS2 rail link

Wakefield Council has voted to oppose the government’s plans for a controversial high speed rail link.
By Sam Cooper
Published 29th Jan 2014, 16:58 BST

Councillors opposed the plans for the new HS2 scheme at a meeting of full council this afternoon (Wednesday).

Instead, they called for a package of better transport investment for the district - including £11bn to upgrade the road network, improvements to the existing railways and a new airport in the Leeds city region.

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Wakefield Council leader Peter Box said: “We’ve listened to what people in this district have been telling us and that is they are overwhelmingly opposed to HS2 for a variety of reasons.

“We need to look at the impact of HS2 on the whole region - arguing for what we need, not for what we have been given.”

The current proposed line passes close to Cold Hiendley Reservoir, Wintersett Reservoir, Anglers Country Park, Walton Country Park, and west of Walton.

Related topics:HS2CouncillorsWakefield CouncilLeeds