Calls for commitment to high speed rail

12.00.00am GMT Wed 25th Mar 2009

Fears grow that unless a high speed rail link reaches Leeds then future economic prosperity will be in jeopardy.

The economy of the North of England will be left stricken if the government does not build high speed lines to the region according to The Northern Way. The organisation represents cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle.

They have estimated that reducing travel times between major cities both within the region and the rest of the country could bring economic benefits to the tune of £10 billion. The organisation believes lines must reach speeds over 180mph to see maximum benefit.

Current plans have a high speed line running from London to Birmingham, with anything beyond that still up for negotiation.

Cllr Richard Brett, Leeds City Council's representative on the group believes high speed rail is the key to unlocking the region's economic future:

"It is imperative that the government builds a high speed rail line running through Sheffield to Leeds. Ideally a line could split at the Pennines. One line could serve Manchester through to Glasgow and another Leeds through to Edinburgh.

"The future of our local economy is dependent on improving business links. I hope the government sees the potential benefits high speed rail could bring to the city region."