I’ve been in touch with the Chief Executive of HS2 following concerns that the service won’t be stopping at Lancaster.

Mark Thurston has replied to say the plans are still being developed but HS2 is not currently required to include a direct Lancaster to London service.

Having also spoken to Transport for the North I believe Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council need to forcibly make the case for the service to stop here, highlighting the positive impact it would have on the local economy – and indeed the negative impact should Lancaster be left out.

Currently the projections are that it will take 1 hour 18 minutes to go from Euston to Preston, a 10 minute change and then a 13 minute service to Lancaster. I’m still waiting to find out how regular this service will be.

I’ll shortly be meeting with councillors from Lancashire County Council to discuss making a strong case for HS2 to stop in the city. I welcome your views – please contact me via the website of email me at cat.smith.mp@parliament.uk.