London Assembly voices rail concerns

THE UK government has been urged to rethink its plans for a £32 billion high-speed rail route following concerns raised by the London Assembly's transport committee.

It fears the route to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, in addition to existing services will see Euston station "swamped" by passengers.

At present, the proposed high-speed route controversially misses out Scotland, sparking fears the economy north of the Border will suffer.

The London Assembly's transport committee chairwoman, Caroline Pidgeon, said: "High-speed rail has enormous potential, but the current proposals for High Speed 2 fail to properly address the effects it would have on local communities and London's existing transport network.

"Plans for HS2 need considerable work to make them right for London."