HS2 approval a ‘missed opportunity’ for Boris Johnson to deliver for Wakefield

Boris Johnson rubber stamped the massive infrastructure project – which could cost up to £106bn – this week.

Critics say it will devastate the countryside and offer minimal benefit to Wakefield.

Jonathan Pile, from Crofton Against HS2, said the project was being rushed through.

He said: “The Prime Minister needs a real plan before he approves it. He is trying to save money by speeding up the project and it smacks of having his cake and eating it.

“He has missed an opportunity. He should come to Wakefield and we can educate him in how much we don’t want HS2 but we do want better transport.

“Hopefully common sense will prevail and our communities will be protected.” Mr Johnson said his government had a choice between “trying to get by with existing routes from North to South” or having “the guts to take a decision, no matter how difficult”.

South Kirkby, Brierly, Hemsworth, Kinsley, Newstead, Fitzwilliam, New Crofton, Foulby, Crofton, Sharlston, Sharlston Common and New Sharlston are all likely to be affected by the scheme. Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper said: “I’ve been told by regional transport bosses that we aren’t likely to get any extra trains in the Five Towns for at least ten years.

“Yet they can find a hundred billion for HS2 and keep on finding more money whenever the costs go up. This isn’t good enough. The Yorkshire economy would get much more benefit from proper local connections.

“The government should properly invest in trains for northern towns instead.”

HS2 Ltd has been approach for comment.