SEVEN months ago, it seemed that the next phase of Britain’s £32bn high-speed rail network was likely to shoved into the sidings, with speculation that the Government had gone cold on the idea.

But since then, pressure has mounted on the Government to come up with a vision for growth. Austerity alone is not enough – we need investment in major infrastructure projects to enliven the faltering economy, so it is no surprise that HS2 is back on track.

Such initiatives inevitably come at a price and environmental concerns will be at the forefront of opposition, with the network cutting through often picturesque countryside.

It is a difficult balance, but modern Britain cannot stand still – just as our forefathers could not stand still when the railway age first dawned.

Although there is no direct impact on our region, the 225mph service will cut journey times between Newcastle and London by more than 30 minutes and ease congestion.

That is good news for business and, although the benefits will not be felt quickly, this is a decision which has to take future generations into account.

And, with train-building about to return to the birthplace of the railways through the Hitachi plant at Newton Aycliffe, the potential for North-East jobs is clear to see.

A new high-speed rail network will require new high-speed trains and the North-East will be at the front of the queue to build them.