High Speed Rail Route - Campaign Continues

Dan Byles, the Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire & Bedworth, this week visited Middleton Village to view a display by local villagers designed to highlight the historical development of the village, and the potential impact on village life of the proposed High Speed Rail route.

The display, currently set up in the St John the Baptist Church in Middleton, is the work of local volunteers and Dan was given a guided tour by local campaigner Mrs Paddy Spears.

Speaking afterwards, Dan said: “I was very impressed with the work and the level of care that has gone into the display. Middleton is a beautiful village, and there is already a well organised committee set up to defend the village’s interests with regard to the potential High Speed Rail route.

“I speak regularly with local people, many of whom are deeply concerned about the route that was published by the previous Government. At this stage we don’t yet know whether the Coalition Government will stick with this route, or will propose an alternative. I have lobbied hard for a changed route as I am very concerned at the likely impact on Gilson, Coleshill, Water Orton and Middleton if the route goes ahead as published by the last Government.

“There is a long way to go before anything is settled, and I will continue to work closely with local councilors, parish councils and campaigners to fight for the interests of the constituency.”