The Sleeper's Blog

17.11.14

Lord Heseltine backs call for HS2 to run direct to Liverpool

There has been, and is still, much debate on the highly controversial route of HS2. And now one former Conservative heavyweight has called for the high-speed line to run directly to Liverpool. 

Lord Heseltine, the former deputy prime minister, who was also dubbed the Minister for Merseyside, as he was instrumental in beginning the regeneration of the city following the 1981 Toxteth riots, has called for the city to get the “full benefits” of HS2. 

Under current plans, HS2 trains will run to the city’s Lime Street Station but only on conventional lines – meaning they won’t operate at full speed. 

But speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Lord Heseltine, now chairman of the Regional Growth Fund advisory panel and advisor to the government, said: “Liverpool is still going to benefit from HS2 because the trains will still go into the city but personally I would like to see the thing go all the way through at full speed.” 

(Image: c. BIS)

Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]

Comments

Transtraxman   18/11/2014 at 20:30

This is a load of bull. Elections are coming up and Heseltine has been brought out of his bath chair to support the government in promising anything to get re-elected. George Osbourne is spouting off a lot of hot air for the same purpose but here the "Minister for Merseyside" cannot wish the impossible. There are only two routes into Liverpool, one via Runcorn and the other via Earlestown, neither of which would mean running any train at high speed, fast maybe but not high speed. Therefore we should forget about fantasies and admit that any "high" speed train will only go as far as Weaver Junction, as a "high" speed train,even though the vehicle itself enters Liverpool.

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