Former Labour Leader Ed Miliband calls for HS2 route through Doncaster housing estate to be axed

A Doncaster MP is calling for plans which involve demolishing a housing estate to make way for the HS2 line to be scrapped.

Ed Miliband has spoken out in opposition to the plans, which if given the go-ahead could involve the demolition of more than 200 homes on the Shimmer Estate in Mexborough, at the heart of Mr Miliband’s Doncaster North constituency.

The former Labour leader, who wants an alternative route, said: “It’s important to try and stop these proposals by making the case for an alternative route.

The partially finished Shimmer Estate in Mexborough faces being demolished to make way for a new HS2 route that would save the Government 1billion

“The more I hear about this proposed HS2 route, the worse it sounds.

“It will evict families from their homes, disrupt people’s lives, and have a significant impact on parts of our beautiful countryside.

“I will work with concerned residents, councillors, the Mayor of Doncaster, and other MPs, to do all we can to persuade the government of the case for it, based on the economics as well as the effects on my constituents.

“I am also determined to get answers from HS2 to the many real questions my constituents have, and will continue to meet residents, HS2 and the government in the weeks ahead. If the government continues to insist on riding roughshod over my constituents, I will also work to secure the best possible deal for them.”

The proposed new route through parts of Doncaster and the Dearne Valley was announced with the publication of a report written by Sir David Higgins on July 7.

The new proposal is set to go before the Government for approval this autumn.