I’D LIKE to comment on Derek Chapplow’s letter about HS2 and the East Coast Main Line (ECML) in the Soap Box slot on February 23.

HS2 is a good idea, but as proposed is too little value for too much money. Even so, York would be better served. The total number of trains on HS2 and the ECML combined would be greater than at present.

And ECML services could change for the better. At present the services to Retford, Newark, Grantham, and Stevenage are patchy. When the fastest non-stop trains are diverted on to HS2, a regular hourly service to these destinations becomes possible. There’s far too much talk of London, as if no one wants to go to anywhere else.

Derek is right to say that going from York to London via Birmingham is a long way round. But the difficulties between London and Birmingham are often misrepresented. The real problem is between London and Rugby.

London and Birmingham are close enough not to need an extremely fast (250mph) link. Speed makes more difference over the longer distances between London and further north.

It is shameful that the government gave no consideration to a cheaper and better alternative: run HS2 alongside the M1 and through Leicester, with a spur to Birmingham.

Alan Robinson, Lindley Street, Holgate, York.