Stafford MP Theo Clarke has received confirmation from the Transport Secretary in Parliament that the HS2 Handsacre Link will not be scrapped.
There have been fears some elements of the high-speed link on from Birmingham towards Crewe and Manchester could be in doubt following the government delaying this part of the project by two years due to inflation.
Speaking in Transport Questions in Parliament, Mrs Clarke said: “We have always been promised that the Handsacre link will bring economic benefits to Stafford, but given the recent push to find savings in this project, concerns have been raised that the link will be scrapped. Will my right honourable friend confirm that it will indeed go ahead?”
In reply, Mark Harper said: “My honourable friend never misses an opportunity to raise her constituents’ concerns about HS2, both with me and with the Rail Minister, thus doing the job that she was elected to do extremely well.
“Our priority is to deliver the opening stage of HS2 on schedule and to ensure that high-speed services from Old Oak Common to Birmingham Curzon Street begin between 2029 and 2033, but I have made it clear that phase 1 construction works north of Birmingham from Delta Junction to Fradley - including works at Handsacre - will continue to progress.”
Speaking afterwards, Mrs Clarke added: “I am really pleased to receive this confirmation from the Secretary of State that Handsacre will progress.
“This means we get improved rail infrastructure and the economic benefits we need while residents affected by HS2 can have confidence this part of the project will not linger and cause any more disruption than necessary.
“As the Transport Secretary noted, I will continue to represent residents affected by HS2 to ensure they receive compensation and that disruption will be kept to a minimum.”
