THE proposed high-speed HS2 rail line – which is set to run through the outskirts of a North Yorkshire village – has come under fire from a think tank.

A report by the New Economics Foundation claims the HS2 high-speed rail project did not offer good value for money and demand for it has “likely been overestimated.”

Its report also says evidence that HS2 will promote economic growth and tackle the north-south divide is limited and claims the line would be “carbon intensive and environmentally damaging’.

It argues it is time to “invest in transport away from London” with the money earmarked for HS2 being better spent elsewhere.

Under the Government’s proposals, a spur linking York to the route via the East Coast main line would go through the outskirts of Church Fenton, near Tadcaster.

Several properties would face demolition but many more would be badly affected by the line coming close to their homes, and a vigorous campaign against the plans, called CHF Says No! has been launched.

The foundation has suggested alternatives for the money that would be spent on HS2, including £10 billion to transform rail infrastructure in northern England and the Midlands, creating new and faster east-west rail links, redeveloping stations and electrifying regional rail lines.

It also calls for another £10 billion to overhaul the East and West Coast main lines, increasing the speed, capacity and reliability of north-south rail travel, with less environmental damage than the new line.

David Theiss, a researcher at the foundation, said: “HS2 is the largest transport investment in the UK’s history. At the moment it amounts to a £33 billion gamble.

“Our research shows the Government is backing the wrong horse. Instead of pouring billions of pounds into a single line that will take 20 years to complete, we should be spreading our bets on a wider range of transport investments that offer better value for money.”