THE planned high-speed rail network interchange at Toton Sidings will lead to traffic congestion, it was claimed last night.
At a consultation event many people were in agreement that the proposal could bring benefits to the area, others believed much still needs to be ironed out.
The development of the High Speed Two network will cost £32 billion.
It will run from Birmingham to Leeds and Manchester, with an interchange at Toton Sidings, and is scheduled to be completed by 2033.
About 80 people attended the meeting at Beeston Town Hall last night.
Marilyn Anderson, 60, of Toton, said: "My main concern is that it's going to make the roads around the station extremely busy.
"However the links with London and Europe will be excellent.
"We are not being affected by any housing problems but some people are having to move house, which will be terrible."
Alan Marshall, 78, of Attenborough, was representing the Long Eaton branch of the Unite union.
He said: "We have reservations about the merit of HS2. It is going to be a rich man's toy.
"Whether or not it brings more opportunities through business and industry development is too away for our branch to anticipate, but we hope that it does.
"We would like to see a link included to Long Eaton and Trowell and through to Nottingham in the plans."
Keith Town, 65, vice-chairman of Bramcote Conservation Society, said: "I'm not against it but I do think it might be a bit elitist.
"My concerns are that in the Toton area it seems like there may be a lot of extra development and the housing that was planned for Toton might be displaced along the green belt towards Bramcote."
Councillor David Watts, Broxtowe Borough Council, said holding consultations with the public was vital.
He said: "HS2 is one of the most significant things to be suggested for Broxtowe in generations.
"We want to ensure that the public are involved in the process right from the start and this meeting will give people the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and find out more information."
The Notts and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, along with Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry and many local businesses, have also welcomed the news, saying it is a step in the right direction for trade and boosting business links with the continent in Notts.
