HS2 - Walking The Line

After months of uncertainty and speculation, the HS2 line in and out of Birmingham has been given the green light.

In this episode we speak to Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Curzon Street about the decision – and find out what people living in the city think about high speed rail.

We also speak with Maria Machancoses, director of Midlands Connect, who tells us why HS2 is just the start – and why the £3.5 billion Midlands Engine Rail must come next.

HS2 - Walking The Line
Presented by Jane Haynes
Produced by Matthew Millard

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Three historic pubs circled what will one day be Curzon Street station, the hub for HS2 in Birmingham. By the time the station is built, just one will be left standing.

The Fox & Grapes is gone, The Eagle & Tun is going - but The Woodman is alive and kicking. In this episode we trace their contrasting fortunes.

HS2 - Walking The Line is a Laudable Production.

Presented by Birmingham Live Politics and People Editor Jane Haynes.

Produced by Matthew Millard.

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In woodlands up and down the route of HS2, protestors have been camping out in a bid to save ancient trees from premature destruction.

Backed by big hitters like Chris Packham and film star Emma Thomson, ordinary men, women and kids have given up cosy beds to spend the winter under canvas.

In this episode we speak to hardy campers in Crackley Wood, near Kenilworth and find out why the Stop HS2 campaign leaders are convinced Boris Johnson is going to scrap the project.

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A row of 12 family homes once stood together in a neat row at the end of Common Lane in Washwood Heath, Birmingham - until HS2 announced they were in the way of the proposed railway line.

In this episode two fathers, Pervez Akhtar and Shalinder Diwan, recall the shock of learning they would have to leave their homes, Jane Haynes finds out how life has turned out for them since.

We also meet Darren Bartlett, whose business site in Alum Rock was taken over by HS2 against his wishes. He describes the stressful impact of 18 months spent haggling with HS2 over the value of his land.

HS2 - Walking The Line is a Laudable production, presented by Jane Haynes and produced by Matthew Millard.

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West Midlands mayor Andy Street has been a fervent backer of the HS2 project since its infancy. He’s also been part of the recent Oakervee review into the costs of the scheme. In this episode he explains why he believes the next Government must back it in full. We also hear from real estate expert Carl Potter, of Avison Young, who explains the lure of HS2 for developers and investors. And Paul Thandi, chief executive of the NEC Group, explains why regional businesses like his would still thrive without HS2 - but axing it would have a hugely negative impact on the future prosperity of the Midlands and the North.

Presented by Jane Haynes
Produced by Matthew Millard

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Dozens of families and businesses across Birmingham and the West Midlands have been moved out to make way for HS2 - among them is the well known Taroni family, who's scrapyards have helped 'keep Birmingham tidy' for more than 60 years.

Their long running dispute with HS2 has now come to a head, amid legal threats, a noisy protest and furious exchanges.

We join the Taroni Family as they await eviction.

HS2 - Walking The Line
Presented by Jane Haynes
Produced by Matthew Millard

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's what to expect from HS2 - Walking The Line...

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