Leeds residents reject HS2 after project given the go ahead

Leeds residents have rejected HS2 after the project was given the go ahead by Boris Johnson.
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Speaking in the Commons on Monday, February 11, Mr Johnson said his cabinet had given the project the “green light” despite fears over its cost and impact on the environment.

When asked by the Yorkshire Evening Post if the high speed rail project should go ahead, the people of Leeds voted largely 'no" on Facebook.

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Readers voted 31 per cent in favour of the project, with 69 per cent responding that it shouldn't go ahead.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Curzon Street railway station in Birmingham where the HS2 rail project is under construction. PA Photo.Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Curzon Street railway station in Birmingham where the HS2 rail project is under construction. PA Photo.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a visit to Curzon Street railway station in Birmingham where the HS2 rail project is under construction. PA Photo.
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Deborah Stead said: "There's definitely more important things the money could be spent on like the NHS, police, schools that's just to name a few."

Linz Burnand-Smith said: "Sort out the local network first, more carriages, reliability, pricing and parking."

Michael Stringer: "If we could get that AS WELL as local transport infrastructure, I think most people would be all for it.

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But 99% of people in Leeds want better local transport, not better London links."

David Fred Thorp said: "Total waste of money, if you need to get to London earlier set off earlier."

Terry Green said: "It's out of date before they build it. Take a look at Japans Maglev. Faster than an aircraft and a fraction of the power. If were going to build something at least make it future proof."

David Robson: "Sort flood defences, NHS and policing first."

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However, some residents spoke out in support of the HS2 development.

Josh Goodall said: "This is big for Yorkshire, it is making London closer and it’s showing investment for the north."

Frances Lyn Collin said: "Great.. long overdue investment."

Sam Lightowler said: "It's about taking the load off of the local networks, therefore allowing better capacity for those lines. It's not just about getting to London a bit quicker."

Dickon Purdy said: "It's not just a fast train it's more capacity. Our lines have been full for some time now. God forbid we actually spend some money on infrastructure."