HS2 delays and rising costs a 'bitter pill to swallow' for West Midlands

Others said the impact of years of construction work was continuing to affect businesses in Birmingham city centre. Lyle Bignon, Birmingham ambassador for the Night Time Industries Association, said venues and hospitality firms near Curzon Street had faced "years of road closures, restricted pedestrian access, noise disruption, reduced visibility and continued uncertainty". "Today's announcement by the Transport Secretary that services may not begin operating until 2036 at the earliest will be deeply frustrating for many small businesses, venues and suppliers already affected by years of disruption and uncertainty," he said. Solihull MP Saqib Bhatti added: "Communities in Balsall Common and Berkswell have long suffered from the devastation caused by HS2. "I now just want them to get on with it and leave villages in my constituency alone." Meanwhile, campaign group Stop HS2 said the latest figures were "absolutely shocking", with chair Penny Gaines adding: "They've spent something like £44bn and they've got at least another £44bn to spend, and that's with their lowest cost estimate." The government said lowering the top speed of trains could save £2.5bn and allow the railway to open a year sooner.