Rail workers’ college to open near planned HS2 scheme

A COLLEGE to train people to work on high-speed rail networks opens  later this year — just a few miles from where residents are continued campaign against the HS2 scheme.

The National College for High Speed Rail will open at two bases — one in Doncaster and another in Birmingham — with the first intake of students set to start classes in September.

The 7,200 sq m building at the Lakeside in Doncaster will cater for up to 1,050 students.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones touched on the NCHSR in her New Year’s message to residents, but did not mention the HS2 controversy, despite the council having voted to oppose the revised HS2 line, which is earmarked to cut through countryside in or around several Dearne Valley villages and the Shimmer housing estate in Mexborough.

In the same message, the Mayor noted how the borough was set to benefit from £350million of investment in new homes worth about £560million in the next ten years.

The Smartlight streetlighting project to switch over to LEDs will continue this year, with 

clearer, brighter lights reducing pollution and saving £1.3 million a year, Ms Jones said.

She added: “I know 2017 will bring challenges, particularly the impact of Government cuts on local people, but we will continue to work to improve services for local residents and save money at the same time.

“We are creating more jobs and housing so people can have a better standard of living. 

“We still have lots more to do but we are going in the right direction, building on our borough’s wonderful sense of community that really shone during the Tour de Yorkshire.

“I know that Doncaster will go from strength to strength in the months and years ahead.”