BUSINESS leaders in Derbyshire have said they are disappointed that the HS2 rail route will not be linked to the Eurostar train line.
This week, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin confirmed that HS2, which will run through parts of Derbyshire, would not connect with the HS1 Channel Tunnel rail link, ruling out the prospect of direct trains from the north and the midlands to Europe.
HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins reported last week that a link from the planned HS2 terminus at Euston to the nearby St Pancras Eurostar terminus would be too expensive at an estimated £700 million. The cost of the total project is currently estimated at £42.6 billion.
The Chamber of Commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire had previously highlighted the importance of HS2 improving connections to mainland Europe.
Chris Hobson, the chamber's head of information and representation, said: "The decision not to put the link in at this stage is disappointing.
"The chamber would urge decision-makers to take full and proper account of all options and ensure that decisions taken now on the connection between HS2 and HS1 in London do not undermine the future benefits that HS2 will bring to the rest of the country."
