DERBYSHIRE: Fears raised about HS2 - with video

Derbyshire residents raised their fears about the controversial HS2 project at the start of public consultation on the high speed rail link.
An example of the high speed 'HS2' train.An example of the high speed 'HS2' train.
An example of the high speed 'HS2' train.

It will run straight through their community and some believe it will not only bring little benefit but is likely to be detrimental to the area.

The event took place at Killamarsh Sports Centre and saw HS2 representatives providing information as well as explaining the impacts and proposed benefits of line.

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The company behind the £42.6 billion project say it will create 400,000 jobs - with 70 per cent outside London.

An example of the high speed 'HS2' train.An example of the high speed 'HS2' train.
An example of the high speed 'HS2' train.

Community manager at HS2 Rachel Antony-Roberts said: “What HS2 will do is provide that north-south link.

“For the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region, we forecast about two to 4.8 per cent in growth because of HS2.”

However a number of residents expressed deep concerns about the line’s impact despite the assurances.

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Glenise Yellott, a retiree from Killamarsh, said: “I think it’s a total waste of money. It will be extremely detrimental for the Killamarsh area.”

David Robert Ward, an engineer from the town, complained: “If HS2 goes like previous British projects it will be at least three times the current figure by the end.”

Head of consultation at HS2 Farahnaz Ashouri tried to calm residents’ fears but urged anyone with worries to contact them. She said: “We recognise that there are concerns from local people where there is direct impact on their land and property.

“We’re trying to work with local businesses and local communities, where practical, to improve those impacts.”

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