Whilst I very much welcome the decision made by the Government to not bring HS2 as far north as the Bolsover constituency, the decision to keep safeguarding zones in place is causing a great deal of stress to hundreds of residents and is limiting the economic development of our area.
Plans for Junction 29 of the M1, which suffers from chronic congestion and is simply no longer fit for purpose, cannot be finalised until the safeguarding is lifted.
Following my letter to the Minister for HS2, Andrew Stephenson, in November, and raising with the Minister directly in the House of Commons in December, I have now further written to him requesting he make a firm decision now and give residents the peace of mind they deserve and allow these important projects to be given the green light.
