Despite dissent and changes, high-speed rail line construction must go on, spokesman says

Part of the proposed London-to-Birmingham high-speed rail route will be adjusted to accommodate farming and agriculture.
Part of the proposed London-to-Birmingham high-speed rail route will be adjusted to accommodate farming and agriculture.
An agricultural region along a planned English high-speed rail route prompted some changes and adjustments, according to a published report.

Lichfield and Fulbrook Farm, two farming regions through which the London to Birmingham line will pass, will see the construction of two retaining walls and a viaduct, according to the Express & Star. In addition, the River Tame will be diverted as a method of supporting farming.

Touting a 49-minute passage between the two cities, the £34 billion project ($54.1 billion) has seen its controversy. But now is the time to support the high-speed rail plan in order to gain its benefits, according to the leader of the Birmingham City Council.

Other councils and civic leaders respectfully disagree.

Because the proposed line does not include any local stops, it "would not benefit anyone in Staffordshire or Wolverhampton as it currently stands," Robert Marshall, county council regeneration chief councilor, told the publication.

But the line's construction should ensue as is, according to another official.

"We do not want to see a cave-in to local pressure groups adding twists and turns," said Kath Hartley, the spokesman for the Labour transport spokesman who also represents Ladywood.