High Speed Trains in Chesterfield

Julia Cambridge, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Chesterfield, has today written to Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, to express her concerns regarding the High Speed Train proposals and the impact on Chesterfield rail links.

She said: "I welcome the principal of creating extra rail capacity by building HS2. Extra capacity which can decrease road usage, improve economic links between the Midlands/North and London and cut short-haul passenger flights - all to the benefit of the environment as well as the economy.

"However like many local residents I have concerns about some of the details of the proposal.

"One of the concerns is that HS2's business plan is based upon cutting the number of fast trains on the Midland Mainline between Chesterfield and London to just one an hour. HS2 could therefore represent a worsening of transport links for Chesterfield as the time involved in catching a link train to the HS2 station at Sheffield/ Meadowhall would more than negate the time saved in travelling by HS2"

She explained: "I have taken up these issues with the Minister and have asked for clarification, on behalf of the people of Chesterfield who may be adversely affected. I have also asked for assurances that the fantastic efforts in reopening Chesterfield Canal in Staveley would not be disturbed and that only minor adjustments would be made so as not to have a detrimental effect upon the canal."