Meacher all aboard HS2

AN MP is backing the campaign for high-speed rail which could bring more than 250,000 jobs to Greater Manchester.

A consultation on plans for HS2 — from London to Birmingham — will close tomorrow with a final decision by the end of the year.

A second stage will take trains to Leeds and Manchester, by the early 2030s, although the legislation will not be brought forward until after 2015. Journey times from London to Manchester will be reduced to 80 minutes.

Supporters of the scheme say 250,500 jobs will be created in Manchester and surrounding areas such as Oldham.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said: “I am backing high-speed rail as not only will it create shorter journey times but will create jobs for people. I fear 250,000 may be a slight exaggeration but it will undoubtedly create jobs and therefore it is much needed.

“This will be at a time when we are hearing there could be a double-dip and the economy could stagnate so we must create public sector-driven jobs, and although they will be private jobs building the lines it is public sector-led.

“In addition, it will encourage people out of cars and be good for the environment. It can take four-and-a-half-hours from London to Manchester with problems on the motorways. Reducing the journey to 80 minutes is incredible.”

According to Economic Consultants Volterra, HS2 will also encourage economic growth by up to 3 per cent, and see a local wage increase of between 1.06 and 2.7 per cent.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has taken the unprecedented step of contacting train drivers to bolster numbers supporting the proposals by writing on the intranet of East Midlands Trains, which covers the initial stage to Birmingham.

Penny Gaines, chairman of the Stop HS2 campaign, said: “I was appalled at his attempt to manipulate the public consultation process set up by his department.

“For a government minister to act in this way is an abuse of his position and shows a complete contempt for the great many ordinary members of the public who are taking part in the HS2 consultation process in good faith.”