Warwickshire councillors vote against high-speed link

A county council has voted to oppose the proposed HS2 high speed rail line.

Warwickshire County Council took the decision as campaigners demonstrated outside Shire Hall in Warwick as the meeting took place.

Some residents living by the proposed route, between London and Birmingham, have formed a campaign group.

A council spokesman said it could see "no benefit" from HS2 for Warwickshire. The route passes through the county from Wormleighton to Middleton.

The planned 250mph route aims to cut journey times between London and Birmingham to 49 minutes.

Countryside impact

Councillor Alan Cockburn, the county council's portfolio holder for the environment and economy, said the council was committed to continuing to work with HS2 Ltd to ensure if the proposals do go ahead then any future impact on the countryside could be managed.

"The county council is concerned much of the information needed to show the benefits of the scheme has still not been made available," he said.

"Members believe that there is insufficient evidence of the benefits of the proposals for Warwickshire for the county council to support the scheme."

Coventry City Council has already voted to oppose the government's plans along with Southam Town Council, in Warwickshire, which said it could see no benefit only damage to people's homes and businesses.

Campaigners maintain the rail link would be a blight on the landscape but the government has said it would boost local economies.