Following his formal written objection to the West Coast Main Line Order which would widen the track from 2 lines to 4 right through the centre of Armitage and Handsacre, Michael Fabricant has now sent the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, a petition of 304 names objecting to the works being undertaken.

The petition was organised by Cllr Mandy Moore and follows a public meeting, attended by Michael Fabricant and over 250 residents in the village, which was called by Cllr Frank Lewis.

“This petition represents a large proportion of the village population and demonstrates the strength of feeling against these works. There is no question that this will cause considerable disruption to village life during the construction period with roads being blocked off and trucks depositing huge dumps of gravel and other material. Once the works are completed, overhead power lines and very high speed tilting trains will be passing much closer to people’s homes with all the attendant noise and vibration.” says Michael Fabricant. “I believe that an alternative route should be found by-passing the village and other built up areas while minimising the environmental impact on this part of Staffordshire. Such routes are available to Railtrack and I am calling on Prescott to prove his ‘green credentials’ over this issue”.