Any fears that the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project would be delayed by a High Court ruling last week (March 15th) have been eased by minister Simon Burns.

The judge ruled that a consultation held to discuss compensation packages for communities that will be affected by the new line was unfair.

However, Mr Burns said the government will re-consult on this issue in order to save time and public money, and he insisted that the massive £33 billion development would not be held up.

"We will now move forward as planned with the crucial business of getting the scheme ready for construction in 2017 and delivering enormous benefits for the country," he remarked.

Ten challenges were brought against the plans for the London to Birmingham stretch of HS2 in total, but nine of these were rejected.

Phase one of the super-fast rail network is due to open in 2026 and the full "Y-shaped" line - which will provide services from the Midlands to Manchester in the north-west and Leeds in the north-east - is scheduled to be open to the public in 2032/33.