HS2 route decision could be made next week

MP Ed Miliband has revealed that the Department for Transport will show which South Yorkshire route option it has thrown its weight behind.

The MP for Doncaster North — who has fought the proposed so-called M18 route through Aston, Bramley, Mexborough and the Dearne Valley — said the announcement was imminent.

He has continually called for the original route via Meadowhall to be reinstated as the preferred option.

The Advertiser understands that the unpopular so-called M18 route would be chosen.

The once-preferred Meadowhall option was only dropped because Sheffield City Council raised objections, putting it at odds with Rotherham and Doncaster councils and local MPs. 

In a recent email to residents in his constituency affected by the scheme, Mr Miliband said: “I have, since the election, written to Chris Grayling (Secretary of State for Transport) and the Chancellor Philip Hammond, asking to meet them before the decision is made.

“I have also been in contact with my parliamentary colleagues to seek to ensure they do the same.”

Mr Miliband has also tabled questions in Parliament about consultation responses on the proposed line, which he believes show a majority against the M18 route.

He said: “The government should abide by that consultation.”

Mr Miliband added: “I plan to keep the pressure up right until the moment a decision is made and I am working with the Mayor (of Doncaster) Ros Jones, who has written to Chris Grayling in similar terms to me.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said: “We will announce the HS2 Phase 2B route as soon as possible.”