Just over half of the residents living along the proposed High Speed Rail route in Birmingham are in favour of the scheme, according to a city council survey.

Around 61% of respondents to Birmingham City Council's questionnaire said they were supportive of the proposals to bring High Speed Rail to the city.

The council sent thousands of questionnaires to properties within one kilometre of the proposed route asking residents for their views.

Of those who responded, 53% fully supported the proposals, saying they believed High Speed Rail would create new jobs and be beneficial for the local economy. A further 8% supported the scheme but made comments on specific elements.

Research shows that High Speed Rail, combined with regional rail improvements, will bring 22,000 jobs to the West Midlands and a boost of around £1.5 billion per year to the region's economy.

High Speed Rail will also provide hundreds of permanent operational jobs in Birmingham, including 300 jobs at a proposed rolling stock depot in Washwood Heath.

Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby said: "This is further evidence that people in Birmingham appreciate the positive impact High Speed Rail will have on our city.

"We see this as a once in a generation opportunity to invest for the future and provide a 21st Century high speed transport system linking the cities of the Midlands, North and Scotland with London and Europe."

Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, said: "I am pleased the majority of people recognise the benefits that high speed rail would bring and that they can see beyond the sensationalist scaremongering of a vocal minority.

"These findings complement our own research which showed five times as many people in favour of the scheme as against it.

"A new high speed rail network would allow us to grasp a once-in-a-generation opportunity to re-shape Britain's economic geography and ensure that every part of the country can share in future growth and prosperity."