MP Andrea Leadsom vows to fight on for South Northamptonshire villagers hit by HS2

Andrea Leadsom vowed to continue her support for South Northamptonshire residents fighting for a fair deal when HS2 drives through the county.

The MP took a tour of the villages in her constituency which will be most affected by the high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham.

Thousands of property owners have seen values tumble since the scheme was first mooted more than ten years ago.

Mrs Leadsom said: "I spent the day travelling, up and down the route in South Northants trying to understand meet with people who are directly affected and sort out of some of their concerns along with the Engagement Manager from HS2.

"It was an interesting day but clearly so many things still to be done and I do assure my constituents I am determined to take some of these things forward.

"Now we have a proper minister for HS2 to make sure they get the proper compensation and mitigation they are looking for."

Mrs Leadsom was sacked as Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in Boris Johnson's Cabinet reshuffle last month.

But she pledged to carry on the fight from the back benches by keeping pressure on new HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson.

Protesters lost their battle to stop HS2 when the Prime Minister confirmed the multi-billion pound scheme's go-ahead last month despite massive opposition on environmental and economic grounds.

Mrs Leadsom admitted the decision would disappoint many of her constituents.

The line runs less than a mile east of Brackley, crossing the A43, before slicing through 13 miles of Northamptonshire countryside – partly in cuttings and tunnels – with 18 trains and hour travelling at speeds of up to 225mph using electrified overhead cables.

HS2 bosses pledged to create a green corridor around the railway to minimise the impact on the countryside.