THE Government is claiming victory against plans to derail the HS2 scheme through Staffordshire but Stone's MP has said it is far from gaining the green light for the high speed route.
On Friday, the High Court rejected legal challenges to Phase One of HS2, from London to the outskirts of Lichfield, ruling in favour of the Government in nine out of 10 areas.
But the challenge against the way property compensation consultation was carried out was upheld and the Government is set to re-run this consultation.
MP Bill Cash, who has organised a series of meetings for constituents concerned by the HS2 Phase Two proposals through the north of the county, said that the legal action opens the door for proper and effective compensation for blight.
But having heard the remarks of the Government ministers he has taken issue with the idea that the Bill has received a green light, saying there is a very long way to go.
Residents of Hopton and Colton fighting the HS2 route through their areas have taken their battles online, launching websites entitled Hopton Against HS2 and Colton Against HS2. On Wednesday, the Colton group will be joined by Joe Rukin from national group Stop HS2 to discuss the plan's effects on the local area. The open meeting at Colton Village Hall starts at 7.30pm.
