Chesterfield Borough Council leader 'hugely disappointed' by HS2 proposals

The leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has expressed her dismay at new recommendations not to deliver, in full, the proposed eastern leg of HS2.
Coun Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council leader.Coun Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council leader.
Coun Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council leader.

Coun Gilby was responding to the publication of the Rail Needs Assessment (RNA) from the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) which sets out options for future investment in rail across the north and midlands, including HS2.

In a bitter blow to Chesterfield and the surrounding area, the NIC does not recommend delivery of the eastern leg of HS2 in full.

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But Coun Gilby said failing to deliver the eastern leg of HS2 in full would be a massive threat to future jobs and investment as the area begins to recover from the economic pain of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coun Gilby said: “We are hugely disappointed, this directly conflicts with the Government’s pledge to levelling up in areas like ours.

"It also seriously undermines local plans for growth in the north and the midlands.

“After decades of under-investment in strategic rail infrastructure, delivering HS2 is a once in a generation chance to transform connectivity, attract investment, create new jobs, build new homes, boost skills and opportunity and level-up communities across the north, midlands and beyond.

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"This is even more crucial to our economic future in optimising recovery from the pandemic, which has hit the north and midlands hard.

“We have been working with our partners across the north and midlands for a number of years, making it clear that the full eastern leg is a critical requirement for Northern Powerhouse Rail as well as investing huge amounts of money in developing growth plans that will help our communities make the most of HS2.

“For Chesterfield, the failure to deliver the eastern leg in full means facing the prospect of reduced connectivity for our communities, as well as damaging the momentum we have built up around our ambitious comprehensive plans for both Staveley and the area around Chesterfield Station.

“In the Staveley area alone, planned growth worth at least £1 billion has been catalysed by the planned HS2 maintenance depot.

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"Taking this away would be a huge blow for an area that has had its hopes raised on the back of HS2’s plans and would leave a huge question mark over how we can deliver the ambitious growth plans our communities need and deserve.

“It is vital that the eastern leg of HS2 is delivered in full and that delivery starts as soon as possible.

"This is about more than just rail and trains – it’s about new jobs, new homes and new starts for communities that have been denied these opportunities over many years.

“This is a critical issue for Chesterfield and Staveley

"I will not rest in working with council and business leaders along the planned eastern leg to hold Government to account and to ensure that the Prime Minister honours his commitment to deliver HS2 east in full.

“Time is of the essence to re-assert the strength of Chesterfield’s social and economic case ahead of Government’s planned publication of its Integrated Rail Plan.”