An MP has said the chances of the HS2 eastern leg being built as far as Nottingham are pretty much 50/50 following growing concern about the plans and spiralling costs.
Broxtowe MP Darren Henry said he was campaigning to ensure the high speed railway line still comes through the village in his constituency.
Right now it is being reviewed as part of the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan.
The high speed route will run from London to Birmingham, with future plans to split into a Y-shape, with the western leg going to Manchester and the eastern leg going to Leeds – via a new station in Toton.
There has been mounting speculation over the eastern leg, with one unnamed Whitehall source recently claiming money had "run out" for the project.
The leg and hub at Toton Sidings is currently up for review – with a decision expected later this year.
There has been speculation that the eastern leg could terminate before Toton, at the Parkway station on the Midland Mainline.
Mr Henry said he expected the results of the Integrated Rail Plan to be announced in the autumn.
He said: “In my honest opinion, I think it's 50/50 on whether we get it or not.
“But this recent press speculation is just speculation – no decision has been made just yet. I'm pushing all the time for it.
“When I went in for the Afghanistan debate I saw Rishi Sunak out of the corner of my eye behind the speaker's chair so I dashed out to speak to him.
“I gave him a little pitch – I take every opportunity.
“Because I know it's going to come down to the Treasury. I think to be honest, speaking to the Prime Minister, he's very on board with all of this.
“But at the end of the day we've got to pay for how much we've spent on Covid and all the rest of it and there are going to be some tough decisions the government is going to have to make.
“Any responsible government is going to have to make those decisions but I'm going to be looking to make those savings elsewhere.
“I'm making my point because of the development opportunities that are here.”
Mr Henry also spoke about plans for a 'mini Holland' in Stapleford – calling the town a "blank canvas" to work on to improve cycling networks there.
He said existing tram networks in Beeston make it difficult to develop on, making Stapleford a great place to start a “cycling revolution” in Nottingham – similar to schemes in London and Manchester.
Members of Nottinghamshire County Council’s transport and environment committee approved plans on Wednesday, September 1, with a consultation to be launched on the scheme.
This could include the installation of segregated cycle lanes on main roads, low-traffic neighbourhoods and high streets, and more road space for people to walk.
