Dear Editor, I was pleased to see your front page headlines on June 16, “Gloom lifts as region’s economy bounces back” – and we haven’t got HS2 yet!

The issue also discussed the missing Y plan to the north, elaborating on the demands from those north of Birmingham who need to see the plans before than can comment on the scheme overall.

Recently, you reported the Transport Minister using the proposed northern Y link as a boost for businessmen to support HS2. However, the word from the DfT roadshows is that this link will be a long time coming. In the meantime those transferring at Birmingham to the slow WCML will be required to travel further north.

Other news from the roadshows, despite the advisers being helpful with enlightening interactive maps, was poor because the answers given to searching questions about noise, environment, economic and practical issues were inconclusive.

The public cannot make personal impact assessments to enable sound comment on HS2 without all the facts.

I was sad to see the term “nimby” raise its ugly head again in your page 16 article, used by a supporter seemingly in anger.

Surely, the consultation process is past this type of behaviour with most debaters, for and against, accepting that the opposition groups are putting forward sensible alternatives.

I personally heard nothing at the road shows that changed my thoughts that this project should be abandoned now.

Finally, anyone still uncertain about how they will be affected by this project should consider opposing it in writing to DfT and their local MP.

Peter Bray

Solihull