High-speed rail route could cut through Mexborough forcing people out of homes


Residents on the Shimmer Estate, just off Doncaster Road, have received letters this morning which state that if the plans are approved “it is likely that the Government will need to acquire some or all of (their) property”.
The changes — announced this morning by HS2 boss David Higgins — would see the route go via Sheffield city centre, instead of Meadowhall and run through the eastern side of the Rotherham borough and turn north between Mexborough and Conisbrough.
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Hide AdThe trains could potentially also call at Chesterfield and there is also the future option of HS2 services extending onwards to the existing Meadowhall station, Rotherham or Barnsley.
The newly proposed route will cut journey times on services heading to Leeds, York and Newcastle and HS2 Ltd will also investigate the possibility of a Dearne Valley parkway station.
Andrew Denniff, chief executive at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “We have been consistent from day one in supporting the HS2 option for Meadowhall as we felt that was the best option for the whole city region.
“The new proposal from HS2 appears to offer a solution that gives something to everyone and still manages to provide a link into the main route for Sheffield city centre.
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Hide Ad“I am sure this will meet with widespread approval, it’s just a shame this could not have been tabled some years ago and we could have been much further advanced with the project and indeed saved a lot of time and expense.”
Mr Denniff also said he was more concerned about extending the South Yorkshire “Supertram” into Rotherham and Parkgate, and added: “We have been waiting for this and it hasn’t left Sheffield since it was built.
“It keeps getting knocked back time after time and I would really like it to be put to bed. It will have far more impact on the local economy and the city region economy through improving the links between Sheffield and Rotherham. We need this delivered as soon as possible.”
The Secretary of State for Transport will now consider David Higgins’ report in detail and make an announcement on the full HS2 Phase 2 route later this year.
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Hide AdThe Government will hold an information session where people can get more details on the new route and what it would mean for them and their homes later this month.
It will take place at Mexborough Resource Centre, Dolcliffe Road, on Tuesday, July 19, from noon until 7pm.