HS2 threatens 9000 north London jobs, claim businesses

A controversial new rail line which opponents claim will devastate part of north London looks set to be scrapped.

The chairman of High Speed 2, Sir David Higgins, wants to abandon the proposed link between HS2 and HS1 - the existing high speed line to Europe.

The news is likely to be welcomed in Camden Town where business leaders and politicians claimed thousands of jobs were at risk.

Sir David described the link as "an imperfect compromise because of the effect it would have on existing passenger and freight services and the local community."

Construction work on the £700m link was expected to last five years.

Business leaders claimed more than 9,000 jobs were threatened and Camden's famous market - a magnet for tourists - would be badly affected.

Sir David has also called for a more ambitious plan to redevelop Euston as the southern terminus of the new line to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.

In an echo of recent remarks by the Chancellor, Sir David believes a new-look Euston could be a catalyst for regneration.

It would also allow a lucrative development of shops, offices and housing to help offset the £50bn cost of HS2.