Barnsley MP Michael Dugher has raised constituents' concerns about the phase two route of HS2 by making a submission to the public consultation on the proposed high speed rail link.

 

Phase two will connect the West Midlands to Leeds and passes through parts of Barnsley, affecting areas including Hoyland, Hoyland Common, Ardsley, Lundwood, Wombwell, Swaithe, Cudworth, Carlton Marsh Nature Reserve and Rabbit Ings Country Park.

 

The Barnsley East MP raised concerns on behalf of his constituents over value for money; responding to residents; tunnelling; Wombwell Wood; the Swaithe hamlet and issues relating to the mining history of the area.

 

Public consultation on the proposed phase two route closed at the end of January. All the submissions will now be analysed by an independent company and the findings will be reported to HS2 Ltd.

 

These findings will then be used by HS2 Ltd to look at possible changes to the proposed route before recommendations are made to the Secretary of State for Transport.

 

A decision on the final route is expected towards the end of the year.

 

Mr Dugher said: ""Understandably, the proposed route is a matter of great concern to me and to many of my constituents.

 

"I am determined that the voice of local residents is heard loud and clear and the concerns people have raised with me are taken in to account.

 

"That is why I made sure to attach all correspondence from my constituents regarding this matter.

 

"While I am supportive in principle of HS2, there are many in Barnsley who are concerned about the effects of the current HS2 route.

 

"If this consultation shows there is overwhelming public opinion that the route should be altered, then HS2 should listen and look at proposals to do so.

 

"It is also absolutely vital there is maximum compensation to local residents who are impacted by HS2 and whose properties are blighted."