Derbyshire responds to HS2 consultation

[Old Cruser]

Still steaming ahead then!


21 January 2014

We have welcomed the chance to respond to HS2 officials in a bid to get the best deal for Derbyshire.


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The proposed Birmingham to Leeds leg of the route is expected to pass through Derbyshire at Long Eaton and in the north east of the county, broadly following the M1 corridor.

A maintenance depot is on the cards for Staveley and a station for the East Midlands is planned for Toton.

In our response to consultation − which takes into account the views of Derbyshire's local councils and specialist advisors − we will recognise the potential benefits for the local economy but also urge rail chiefs to put in place plans to lessen any negative impacts.

Councillor Andy Botham, our Deputy Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport said:

We welcome plans for HS2 as an opportunity to boost the local economy, help local businesses expand and create new jobs. This consultation now provides us with one of the best opportunities to highlight a number of issues that will need to be addressed if the scheme is taken forward and to influence and help shape the project.

"Our response is focused on the need to make the most of the economic benefits and other opportunities that HS2 presents and to press hard for changes and measures that reduce the adverse effects of the scheme."
Councillor Botham added:

The overall aim is to secure the best possible outcome for Derbyshire residents, businesses and others along the route."
More information on the route can be found at www.hs2.org.uk (opens in a new window)

[Pete]

Not impressed

[Big Dave]

Typical politician's waffle.

[Old Cruser]

I have looked at the maps - is it not coming through Chesterfield area then? Looks as if it by passes and commuters have to get connections?

http://www.hs2.org.uk/     When I try to magnify this link to route it's blurred.

[Big Dave]

For a detailed route, pick one of the relevant maps here (from the eastern leg) : http://www.hs2.org.uk/phase-two/route-consultation/document-library

[Fly]

I've posted 3 local area maps on the internet on a web page. I can't find the link LOL

[Fly]

Found it 
I'll update it at a later date if I find a change to the route.

http://www.taxmania.talktalk.net/mags/routes.html

[Old Cruser]

There is an article in the DT (sorry no link) about the way this will affect the Chesterfield Canal, a formal objection has gone in from the Trust along with a suggested alternative route.
What a shame this would be if the Hs2 put an end to our canal.  and the train won't even stop in Derbyshire!

[Old Cruser]

Still moving forward with plans for this high speed train looks like Derbyshire is jumping on the 'wagon' 


Councils back calls for local rail college
3 February 2014

We have joined forces with Derby City Council to call for the High Speed 2 (HS2) college to be sited in the county.


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County Leader Councillor Anne Western and City Leader Councillor Paul Bayliss are urging transport chiefs to consider locating a specialist further education college in the area.

Following Ministers' announcement for plans for a dedicated rail college, both leaders have requested that the Secretary of State for Transport considers building the academy locally because of Derby's long-standing links with the rail industry.

In a joint letter to Patrick McLoughlin - MP for Derbyshire Dales - both Councillors Western and Bayliss welcome the Government's proposals for a college to help supply the specialist skills needed to build the HS2 project because of its potential to create thousands of local jobs.

Councillor Western said:

We especially welcome the local job opportunities that will be created through employment in construction and the operation of the new railway, in the rail supply industry and in the wider economy as a result of better rail connections.

"For some time East Midlands local authorities have recognised the need for an academy as a centre of expertise and training in high speed rail technology and because of the city's historic links with the rail sector, this area would seem a natural choice."
According to a recent report by economic experts Volterra, more than half of national employment in the manufacture of rolling stock is in the East Midlands, two-thirds within Derby.

This suggests that around 2,500 workers in Derby could be involved in manufacturing rolling stock connected with HS2. The proposed maintenance depot at Staveley could also provide up to 250 jobs in an area where there are existing rail engineering firms with established links to the university sector.

There are also very close links between the rail industry, Derby University, Derby College, local private training providers and the National Skills Academy for Rail Engineering (NSARE).

Councillor Western said:

We believe this offers the right conditions to establish a successful college that offers value for money, excellent links to industry and good communication links for learners from all parts of the country."
Councillor Bayliss said:

Derby is the centre of rail manufacture in the UK and also of engineering excellence, and as the city of 'planes, trains and automobiles' it is the obvious and only choice for such an academy. We would be proud to welcome it to the city."
We have responded to consultation on the West Midlands to Leeds leg of the route - which in Derbyshire broadly follows the M1 corridor.

Councillor Western added:

We recognise the potential benefits for the local economy but also request that full consideration be given to removing or lessening any negative impacts."