Maggie Throup MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash, has released the following statement on HS2 Phase 2b:
“The Secretary of State for Transport has today announced the final route for Phase 2b of HS2. This brings much needed clarity for the residents of Long Eaton, Sandiacre and Stanton Gate by confirming that the route through Long Eaton will be on a high level viaduct.
“Whilst I am disappointed that the option to tunnel under Long Eaton was not seen as a viable option, the decision to pursue a high-level viaduct gives us a fantastic opportunity to create a truly iconic structure. I believe the design of the viaduct will be a key factor in the public acceptance of the project and I will be lobbying the Government to provide HS2 Ltd with the funds to design and build a viaduct that puts our area truly on the map.
“As I have said previously, the most import task remains to secure the best possible deal from HS2 Ltd for those residents directly affected by the line of route and I will continue to fight for this over the coming weeks, months and years.
“I also believe the way in which HS2 Ltd has treating local residents up to now is quite frankly scandalous. If we are to move forward, Ministers and the board of HS2 Ltd must address these issues and quickly, otherwise they risk undermining the whole project.”