Stoke-On-Trent Expected To Be Ruled Out Of HS2

Plans for the HS2 high speed rail line are not expected to include a stop in Stoke-on-Trent - but there could be a hub station in nearby Crewe.

Sir David Higgins, the chairman of the organisation running the project, is expected to announce further recommendations on the scheme next week.

The first phase of HS2, due to be completed by 2026, will see a new high-speed line built from Euston in west London through Tory heartlands to Birmingham.

Civic leaders in Stoke have long suspected they will be ruled out of the £50bn plans which contain proposals for a Y-shaped line running from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds.

Proposals for HS2 have been highly controversial, with campaigners warning of its impact on the environment and the Church of England concerned the route will desecrate hundreds of graves.

But business leaders insist the route is important for British industry.

Sir David is also expected to outline plans on Monday for improving rail links for northern cities as part of a so-called HS3 which is much favoured by Chancellor George Osborne.

Public transport campaigner Martin Abrams said: "The Chancellor needs to make sure progress with high-speed rail goes hand in hand with upgrading the rest of the north's rail network."

Dr Adam Marshall, executive director of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "HS2 will be vital for the UK if it is to have a world-class transport infrastructure in the years to come.

"Extending the line from Birmingham to Manchester, Leeds and beyond is essential."