Have your say on proposed HS2 line through the Chesterfield area

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to attend public consultation sessions to see the detail of the proposed HS2 line through the Chesterfield area.

HS2 has today (Thursday 11 October) published more detailed environmental design proposals of the proposed HS2 phase 2B line between Birmingham and Leeds, which would stop at Chesterfield railway station, offering reduced journey times from Chesterfield to key cities around the UK.

The plans also include a track maintenance depot at Staveley offering new skilled job opportunities for local people as well as developing the former industrial sites in the area as part of a wider regeneration plan.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “HS2 is a once in a generation opportunity to improve transport links and we are confident that Chesterfield residents will benefit from this.

“There are strong economic reasons for the project and having a stop on the route in Chesterfield as well as a maintenance depot in Staveley will offer great opportunities for our residents in terms of journey times and growing our economy.

“However, we must balance that against the need to ensure that the inevitable impact of such a major construction project does not come at the detriment of local communities.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has been meeting with HS2 on a regular basis to discuss mitigation measures to ensure that any impact from the line would have and the latest plans produced include the HS2 response to concerns raised by the council and other key community groups, including the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

Councillor Gilby said: “We have developed good links with HS2 and have been able to discuss any local issues in a frank and open manner, and are confident this will continue throughout this process.

“We welcome the latest round of consultation as it brings the development just that bit closer. We are already getting potential HS2 suppliers contacting us who are interested in coming to the area.”

Over 100 East Midlands-based companies have already been awarded contracts working on stage one between London and Birmingham with more opportunities for phase two.

Councillor Gilby added: “Construction of the line between Birmingham and Leeds will offer new opportunities for local businesses in the supply chain and it is important that we engage with the business community so that they can take advantage of this and win contracts that will secure existing jobs and create new ones.”

HS2 will hold drop-in consultation events in the Chesterfield borough on:

• Friday 9 November from 2pm to 8pm at the St Thomas Centre, Chatsworth Road
• Friday 16 November from 2pm to 8pm at the Speedwell Rooms in Inkersall Road, Staveley

There are also events in Dronfield, Bolsover and North Wingfield.

Further information is available at www.hs2.org.uk/phase2b