Readers have voted overwhelmingly against the HS2 project in our first monthly debate on issues affecting the York economy.

Business Press’s Executive Decision feature allows you to share your views on line and via social media and take part in a poll published at thepress.co.uk/business where readers can also post comments.

HS2 made headlines last year after the Government pressed ahead with plans for a £45 billion high-speed rail link between London and the north.

Only eight per cent of you (24 votes) said yes to the idea, while 92 per cent (294 votes) sided with objectors including Ian Gray, senior environmental protection officer, City of York Council.

He said: “This extortionate, madcap project stands to eliminate 66 areas of ancient woodland, lay waste to numerous settled communities, destroy wildlife, and cost the taxpayer an unaffordable £50 billion or so.

“All this for what? Just to save a select few people what amounts to no more than a paltry 30 minutes of travelling time.”

But John Reeves, chairman of the Helmsley Group, said: “It’s a shame some people may be detrimentally affected by this scheme, as it’s so important to the north and York in particular. Whether it is good value for money is not something I can accurately assess, but high-speed communications are essential for our region to compete and to miss out on this opportunity would be economic madness.

“York still has many rail-related businesses located here and as well as the work it will bring during its construction phase. Where do people think these businesses will go if we are not part of this massive investment? They won’t stay in York.

“The proposal to connect York to HS2 is extremely positive and is likely to be key in the city continuing to play a fundamental role in region’s economy. The arrival of high-speed rail will provide significant economic benefits not only the city, but also to the wider North Yorkshire region.

Christian Hunt, partner in Langleys Solicitors, said: “Reducing travel time down to just over 83 minutes from York to London not ony boosts our regional economy in terms of inward investment and tourism. It will also enable our manufacturers, innovators and service providers to compete in a larger and more lucrative market place, one which London has to offer.”

Readers have also been sharing their views online.

meme says: “It’s crucial... If we miss out on this we forgoe the chance to be linked with the fastest and possibly the most economical way to link in to our railway system.

“We will literally be left behind. Communication with the south-east is vital. If we want to become a backwater lets turn it down; if we want jobs during the construction phase and later we MUST join in.”

Junglejim says: “HS2 must not go ahead. The destruction of numerous areas of ancient woodland coupled with the ensuing elimination of residing wildlife would be a travesty for this country.

“Sixty-six areas of ancient woodland are currently in the line of fire, not to mention the dozens of settled communities whose lives will be ripped apart and £50 billion of taxpayers’ money frittered away.”