Sheffield's inclusion in the Government's plans for a new high speed rail network will have a positive effect on the region's economy, according to a city business leader.

Nigel Tomlinson, chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, says proposals to bring Sheffield within 75 minutes of London will be a ‘terrific boost' for local businesses.

Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis today (March 11) announced proposals which would revolutionise Britain's rail network by delivering an initial core high speed rail network linking London to Birmingham, Manchester, the East Midlands, Sheffield and Leeds, with trains running at up to 250 miles per hour.

Nigel Tomlinson, chief executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are delighted with the announcement from the government on the high-speed rail plans. This is a terrific boost and one that can ultimately only positively affect a diverse range of businesses and organisations as well as bringing opportunities for more jobs.

"Together with other Chambers and representative organisations we have worked long and hard to get our case over. We have reminded people who have listened to the Chambers of the importance of the inclusion of Sheffield and South Yorkshire to the local economy. It is another piece in the building of the economic jigsaw for the region to ensure sustainable growth."

The development of a 335 mile 'Y'-shaped network would bring the West Midlands within half an hour of London, and deliver journey times of 75 minutes or less from Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester to the capital.

Connections onto existing tracks would be included, allowing direct high speed train services to be operated to cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Liverpool as soon as the line opens. Further consideration will also be given to extending the network subsequently to these and other major destinations.