Oxfordshire County Council is 16th local authority to join 51m to fight HS2

Oxfordshire County Council's decision to join forces with the 51m group now brings to 16 the number of local authorities working collaboratively to oppose the Government's £32 billion high speed rail project, HS2.

Martin Tett, leader of Buckinghamshire County Council and chairman of 51m said: "I’m delighted that Oxfordshire has joined the growing ranks of local authorities who have reviewed, challenged and now oppose this immensely expensive scheme.

"This is a challenging time for this country economically and socially. To spend so much on a project where it is now generally accepted to have a very dubious business case, not be green and do little to heal the north /south divide is crazy. We should be investing in our road and rail infrastructure across the whole country to spread real prosperity. The addition of Oxfordshire will add extra real weight and influence to our message."

Mr Tett is urging members of the public, their families and friends - including those living off the HS2 route - to write to their local MP.

"The fight goes on," he said. "The Government’s public consultation has finished, but our campaign to expose this wasted expenditure is just beginning. We particularly urge people and businesses across the country to review the 51m consultation response at www.51m.co.uk and then write to your MP, local press and local council. This is not a ‘done deal’ no matter what the Government may try to imply. We can definitely win this battle."

Cllr Rodney Rose, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "Although the proposed route only clips the northern extremity of Oxfordshire at Finmere it is still legitimate for the county council to have a view on this proposal. Oxfordshire County Council is not opposed on environmental grounds - however we are deeply concerned about the business case for HS2. We cannot but reflect on what we could do with just a fraction of £32 billion to invest in local transport infrastructure."