Majority in Birmingham survey favour high speed rail

The majority of residents living along the proposed new high speed rail link route in Birmingham are in favour of the scheme, the city council has said.

The HS2 route will run close to Aston, Nechells and Castle Vale, with a new station close to the Bullring.

Residents in the areas were surveyed with 53 per cent saying they fully supported it. Another eight per cent supported it, but had comments to make.

Six hundred people responded to the survey, the council said.

A spokeswoman said thousands of questionnaires were sent to properties within 1km of the proposed route asking for views.

A public consultation for the route between London and Birmingham and then a second phase to Manchester is currently under way.

Phase one of the consultation ends in July and it is expected a decision will be made by the government by the end of the year.

Opponents have said the new route is not necessary.

The government has said it is a major investment in Britain's future economic competitiveness.