YORK MP Hugh Bayley says that HS2 is vital for North Yorkshire (The Press, January 29).

Yet the proposed route with a spur at Church Fenton joining the existing rail system and onward to York is a disaster for the village as 120 properties are affected by “isolation” – the largest number along the whole route.

In addition a high-level viaduct has been deemed necessary to go over the existing railline before joining it, causing yet more environmental damage to the area. Joining at this point will reduce existing services and require the closure of Ulleskelf station. These proposals have seen house prices dramatically fall and the health of a number of people have been affected.

Alternative routes that involve little or no additional costs have been submitted that would greatly reduce the impact on the local community and yet still achieve Mr Bayley’s objective of linking HS2 to the East Coast Line and York.

I hope that Mr Bayley can support our attempt to have one of these alternatives adopted.

Stuart Spensley, Station Road, Church Fenton, Tadcaster.