'Concerns outweighed by benefits of jobs magnet'
SOME people in Long Eaton and Sandiacre have welcomed the announcement of HS2's second phase.
The proposed route of the £32 billion high speed rail network passes northwards, through the two towns, using Toton Sidings as a station.
Some living near the route said it would be a "magnet" for jobs and industry.
Adam Higgins, 22, who has trains regularly passing by his back garden in Bonsall Street, Long Eaton, said: "I can't see how the new high speed rail line will be a problem – the trains here just fade into the background and the benefits of the new line will be good.
Orders taken over £2000 , will receive £100 off and the option to take 2 years interest free credit
Terms: £100 off only on orders over £2000 with the option to take 2 years interest free credit , this offer ends bank holiday Monday 27th may 4 pm , this voucher must be printed and presented on ordering .
Contact: 01332 419898
Valid until: Monday, May 27 2013
"Having a link that runs from just up the road to London in less than an hour is bound to be really popular."
And Michael Oliver, 34, of Long Eaton, said: "It looks like a good use of money in the long run."
However, others were concerned about the cost of extending the line to the East Midlands.
Steven Watts, 38, of Long Eaton, said: "It's a lot of money, especially when you consider the state the economy at the moment. Should getting to London a bit quicker be the priority?"
Meanwhile, politicians have praised the plans to build HS2 through Toton Sidings, saying it will bring a jobs boost to the area.
Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry said: "If Toton Sidings is to be the East Midlands hub, then we need to make sure there is sound connection to the tram, which may include a further link into Erewash."
Councillor Chris Corbett, leader of Erewash Borough Council, said the proposed Toton station should be named Long Eaton International.
Mr Corbett, who lives in Shilling Way, Long Eaton, said: "I think the line could bring a lot of jobs to the area, not just during construction but afterwards, too."
He said there were some concerns Long Eaton could become a "commuter town", but they were outweighed by the potential benefits.
He said: "It will raise the profile of the area and create jobs . I feel the use of Toton is a good decision, the platform and land is already there. Toton is on the main line, it's hardly the middle of nowhere.
"It would be nice for the station to be called Long Eaton International. After all, passengers could catch a train there, straight to London, then on to Paris."
Councillor Wayne Major, who represents Sandiacre for Derbyshire County Council and lives in the town, said his only concern was the traffic the line could bring but was sure that would be addressed at the planning stage.
He said: " Overall, though I feel this will be a jobs and industry magnet and can only be a good thing for the area."
In Castle Donington, the feeling was that the high speed line would not affect the village.
Parish councillor Robert Else said: "I think it will be really good for the area.
"There have been plans discussed to build a distribution centre nearby but we already have one near the A50.
"The HS2 would, I am told, scrap those plans for a new centre and that can only be a good thing for Castle Donington, reducing the potential traffic a distribution centre would cause."
Comments