HS2 'could prove a winner for Yorkshire'

Date: 18/3/2011

Yorkshire civic and business leaders had the opportunity to learn more about the government's planned high-speed rail (HS2) network this week at a meeting in Sheffield.

The proposals centre around extending a Y-shaped track running from London, through Birmingham and on to Manchester and Leeds so that it connects with existing lines.

Should the project go ahead, attendees of the meeting heard how journey times between Leeds and the capital could be reduced by one hour, while a train ride between the Yorkshire city and Sheffield would be halved to just 20 minutes.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said the scheme will also provide financial benefits, by generating £44 billion for the economy over 60 years, in addition to fare revenues of £27 billion.

"Our proposals for high-speed rail present us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to completely reshape the economic map, not just of the UK but of Yorkshire in particular. Yorkshire really would be one of the big winners from our proposed network," Mr Hammond claimed.

Earlier in the week, business leaders and politicians in Scotland were also urged to show their support for the plans.

Posted by Mary Treen