HS2 good or bad?

WILL Liverpool see any benefit from the HS2, if built as it will connect Manchester to it, but as of yet, not Liverpool? The HS2 has already lead to many questions, but Cllr Liam Robinson, Chair of Merseytravel, has welcomed the HS2 announcement on 28 January 2013. He said that the new high speed service would benefit the City and the Merseyside regional economy in the medium-term and into the future. "This announcement is good news for Merseyside and the whole of the North West. Linking Liverpool to the system through the spur to Crewe will mean faster journey times to the capital when the project is operational. This is important if Merseyside is to keep its place as a significant regional economy. In addition, I have no doubt that Merseyside firms and employees will benefit in the medium-term from the investment in the massive infrastructure programme. We will of course be working closely with operators and the Government to make sure that Merseyside reaps the maximum possible benefit from this programme." But the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has said that the 2nd phase of the High Speed Two (HS2) rail line, from the Midlands to Leeds and Manchester, will blight many rural businesses without providing fair compensation for compulsory purchase. The CLA President Harry Cotterell said:- "The Government has rushed through this route announcement before 2 major consultations on Phase 1 have finished, showing contempt for rural land and business owners. The current compulsory purchase system treats landowners badly while helping to deliver profit to commercial operators." Mr Cotterell said while the Extreme Hardship Scheme currently on offer in Phase 1 was restrictive and hard to access, there would be nothing at all for owners affected by Phase 2 until a new scheme is consulted upon. He added that:- "The Government must review compulsory purchase legislation now rather than perceiving it as too complex. The CLA has published Fair Play - CLA vision for reform of the compulsory purchase system, a policy report which sets out a framework for root-and-branch reform of the compulsory purchase system. The Government must recognise the difficult position of rural landowners blighted by the HS2 route." Also adding to the voices this week was Liberal Democrat, Euro-MP, Chris Davies, who said that the North West 'Nimbys' must not be allowed to delay construction of a new high speed rail line. He feels that the region gave railways to the world, but is now at risk of being relegated to 2nd class transport status. And that leads back to are question about Liverpool, who started the national and international rail networks. He said:- "There is nothing new about people protesting against railway construction. Plans for the Liverpool and Manchester line were criticised nearly 200 years ago as 'the most absurd scheme that ever entered into the head of a man'. Yet the opening of the line in 1830 inspired railway building across the world. The North West is in danger now of being left behind. Europe has built 3,000 miles of high speed rail line, but only 70 miles from London to the Channel Tunnel are in Britain. We need to become part of the 21st century rail revolution, and the sooner the better." So what are your views about the HS2. Do you think it will help Liverpool or do you think it will again, just boot Manchester? Do you think it is a good idea or a bad idea? Please email your views to:- news24@southportreporter.com.