Calls for the Government not to ignore county on rail talks

'We will not allow Staffordshire to be cut through, cut out or forgotten' says acting council leader

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COUNCIL leaders are calling on the Government to include Staffordshire and its residents in meaningful discussions on the future of any new rail link between Birmingham and Manchester.

The Government confirmed its long-term aim to see a new north-south line between the two cities.

Although this would cut through swathes of Staffordshire, there was no engagement with the county on the announcement.

Now the county council's acting leader, Martin Murray, pictured, has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, requesting an urgent meeting.