John Healey has vowed to keep pushing for an HS2 station at Meadowhall, despite the Government’s backing of a spur line to Sheffield station.
Responding to the news, he said: “I am disappointed with the Government’s latest announcement on HS2, which identifies the spur line to Sheffield station as its preferred option for South Yorkshire, over the original proposal which included an HS2 station at Meadowhall.
“I opposed this change of route at the outset and I’ll continue to argue the case for HS2 to stick to the Meadowhall route which will would bring much wider benefits across South Yorkshire.
“Throughout this process I have worked with local action groups and have repeatedly called on both HS2 boss Sir David Higgins and the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to look again at the plans.
“My concern now is that the current preferred route risks the worst of all worlds, with HS2 running right through but not stopping in South Yorkshire.
“So if Ministers are going to consider this new route then an HS2 station in Rotherham or the Dearne must be part of the proposals.
“In a letter to me last month, the Transport Secretary committed to a South Yorkshire station study and I hope that will now go ahead early next year as promised.
“Now more than ever, the voices of local residents must be heard and so I would urge those affected to make their views known during the consultation period, and I will continue to put pressure on the Government to get the best deal for our area.”