Council's claim that Midland Mainline delays will be "catastrophic" for local economies

Midland Mainline trains stationary at Kings Cross St Pancras, London. Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Councils in Leicester and Leicestershire are criticising the government, saying that the sidelining of an £800m investment in the Midland Mainline will have a terrible impact on economies in the Leicestershire and the region.

The government has announced today that the original plans to link London to Sheffield with the electrification of the Midland Mainline, which would speed up trains between Leicester and London, will be delayed due to costs.

Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby and Leader of Leicestershire County Council Nick Rushton are concerned that putting off the plans will have a negative impact on all of the cities and towns on the planned route.

Peter Soulsby has asked the government to scrap plans for a high-speed rail network known as HS2, which will allow efficient travel between London and Birmingham, and continue with the Midland Mainline.

The Council's are going to continue their call for action in a bid to protect their local economies.