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'Replace HS2 with superfast broadband' say firms
Nov 1 2011 By Lawrence Poole
SMALL firms in South Bucks have called for the HS2 plans to be scrapped in favour of superfast broadband at a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Speaker and Buckingham MP John Bercow met with local members of the Federation of Small Businesses to hear their concerns on the £33bn London to Birmingham route on Friday (October 28).
Local members of the FSB are against the creation of HS2, with the majority stating that they feel the business case for local firms does not stack up.
A recent survey of small businesses across Bucks highlighted that 87 per cent felt their company would not benefit from HS2 at all.
Mr Bercow said: "Without a doubt, HS2 is the single biggest issue in my postbag. I now have a database of several hundred local people, who have expressed their objections to the plans – the local community is fundamentally and irreconcilably opposed to HS2."
Linda Walton, chairwoman of the south Buckinghamshire branch of the FSB, said: "If a small amount of what will be spent on HS2 was spent on superfast broadband instead, it would make a huge difference to small businesses in the area. This is one of the key things that will help drive wealth and growth in Buckinghamshire, not high speed rail."
A decision is due on the route in December.
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