Residents in Balsall Common have told HS2 they are still not happy with the designs of a 425-metre viaduct set to plough through the area.

HS2 released images of the proposed structure in July this year, with locals voicing their concerns about the impact on the local area both during construction and after.

This week, HS2 updated Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and gave some locals an opportunity to voice their concerns.

Local resident Richard Lloyd said: "I'm afraid it is a very heavy design made almost entirely of concrete. It might be a little unkind to say it looks like a procession of concrete V-signs across the landscape.

"The designs of these viaducts are very, very important for residents because thousands of people will see them every day and they will literally be outside some people's houses. It's important that we do get something which is aesthetically good.

"I'm sure I'm preaching to the converted by saying that we don't want second-class solutions within the borough. We need to have a conversation about options, so I would ask the council to urge HS2 to come forward with genuine consultation."

Chair of the HS2 implementation advisory group Cllr Dave Pinwell said: "There have been community engagement sessions on the designs of these viaducts.

"I am aware discussions are ongoing about the Balsall Common viaduct which should lead to some planned public engagement in early 2023."

HS2 said over 100 members of the community provided feedback on the viaduct and said the comments will influence a new set of designs set to be released early next year.

Cllr Diane Howell asked HS2 staff at the meeting: "With reference to the Balsall Common viaduct, the glass noise panels are very important to a number of residents in this community. Will a full exploration of that be presented to us at a future event?"

Community engagement manager Andy de Bell acknowledged the issue had been raised by many locals and said the feedback had been taken on board by HS2.