'Behind the scenes' proposal for HS2 to skip Chesterfield would be a 'betrayal' says MP

National newspapers have claimed leaders in the north of England and the Midlands are ‘fighting with the government behind the scenes’ over plans for a ‘phased delivery’ of the 120-mile eastern leg of the project between Birmingham and Leeds, via Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins says the benefits of HS2 to the town should ‘not be underestimated’.

“Any attempts to scale down, postpone or cancel the next leg of HS2 would be disastrous for the East Midlands and Yorkshire,” the Labour MP said.

"The prospect of a HS2 connection at Chesterfield Station is already bringing investment to the town and driving major regeneration.

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"We have hundreds of new homes being built and commercial property developments underway or planned, which will mean new businesses and new jobs for the area – which are going to be vital as the country recovers from the economic shock of the pandemic."

Mr Perkins says a proposed maintenance depot for HS2 trains at Staveley ‘alone will create hundreds of skilled jobs in one of the most deprived areas of Derbyshire’.

"It is the Government’s number one infrastructure investment and to suddenly cut out the parts of the project that would benefit our towns and cities would be a betrayal,” he added.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said HS2 was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for the area and urged the Government to be ‘clear and consistent’ about its delivery.

Meanwhile, Chesterfield Canal Trust, which has fought a long battle with HS2 over the planned route of the line, says it cannot respond to ‘rumours’ about the line.

HS2 chiefs are currently opposing the trust’s plans to restore a key stretch of the canal by sending an objection letter to Chesterfield Borough Council.

They say the water level in the canal would be too high for a bridge to be built to carry a branch line to the planned maintenance depot.

Trust publicity officer Rod Auton said: “We are still in negotiations with HS2 about them lifting their objection to our planning application.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.