Pictured above: Jeannie Patrick 

Now is the time for those affected by the planned £17 billion London to Birmingham high speed rail line to make an equally high speed dash to post their exceptional hardship compensation claims, a Midland lawyer has warned.

Jeannie Patrick, a property solicitor with Warwickshire law firm Lodders, said there were many "hugely deserving" cases of people desperate for a way out.

"This is already blighting lives and the Government needs to act fast to help those affected. To be near the top of the queue people should get a move on with their applications."

Her comments followed this week's re-working of the detailed routing of the 200mph trains.

Ms Patrick praised Ministers for showing flexibility.

"The Government is clearly trying to listen and some of the route changes are quite significant. It is looking to respond to public opinion.

"There is opposition up and down the route and some will only be satisfied if the whole project is cancelled. However that looks highly unlikely - big urban centres like Birmingham are in favour, big business is in favour and this is very much a Conservative flagship development.

"The Prime Minister has put his authority behind the proposals and any U-turn would be a major shock.

"So people will have to get used to the fact that this is going to happen whether they like it or not. Plan B is to get as much out of it as they can and that starts with the Exceptional Hardship Scheme.

"Now that the Government has confirmed its intentions it is essential for those who have a valid EHS claim to submit their bids."

The scheme takes in home owners, businesses and farms.

It suggested that reasons for needing to sell a property urgently could include work - taking up a new job, for example - a new baby, a move into sheltered accommodation, medical problems, divorce or the threat of repossession.

Owners have to have made "reasonable efforts" to sell their property already - this means having it on the market for at least three months, with no offers over 85 per cent of the likely pre-high speed rail price.

An independent panel assesses their application, then recommends whether the Government should buy the property for the full market value.

Ms Patrick said: "The EHS scheme is designed to compensate those who have to sell their houses or commercial property, but have seen the value fall because of proximity to the proposed HS2 route.

"I would urge people to both take advantage of the scheme and take advice on their claim. That way hopeful they can access the maximum compensation available."

The Exceptional Hardship Scheme will remain in place until the Government makes a final decision, expected early next year, on whether to build the line.

For more information about Lodders, please visit their website here: www.lodders.co.uk