Transport Secretary Philip Hammond came face-to-face with homeowners who will see their properties flattened if proposals for the Birmingham to London high-speed rail line gets the go ahead.

The minister braved crowds at a road show in Lichfield and spoke to families who will be forced to move because of the line.

He claimed to have found plenty of others in support of the 225mph route and later urged Birmingham business leaders to help the Government make the case for the scheme.

‘‘There was a mixed response and I spoke to two people whose homes and businesses would have to be demolished,” he said.

“They were concerned mainly about the timing of compensation and I have assured them it is something we are determined to get right.”

Road shows are being held across the West Midlands to allow people living near the line of the route to speak to experts about the impact it will have on their lives.

The consultation is running until the end of July and Parliament will take a decision on the project in 2013.

The road show comes to Birmingham International rail station on Thursday, June 16, and then to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on Friday, June 17, and Saturday June, 18. It runs from 8am to 8pm.