INDECISION over where a new East Midlands station for HS2 could go is creating "doubt and uncertainty" for business, its Chamber of Commerce has said.
A station had been planned for Toton but a report from HS2 project chairman, Sir David Higgins, has revealed there are now "question marks" over whether it's the best choice.
The report said a station to the west of Toton is now being looked at with the aim of finding a place which can provide better road and rail connections via the M1 and Midland Mainline.
Rumours continue to circulate that it could be built "near Breaston" with the line running through Erewash.
But no date has yet been announced for when a final decision will be made.
Chris Hobson is the head of information and representation for the Chamber of Commerce which covers Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
He said that a definite announcement for where the station could go would be a factor in attracting new businesses to the area.
But he said the current limbo wasn't helping.
Mr Hobson said: "The report confirms the need for a hub in the East Midlands but has failed to address the location and connectivity issues, leaving huge doubts about where the hub might be located and how much work is going to be needed to deliver the connectivity for the whole region to benefit economically.
"It hasn't said that Toton, the initial choice for the East Midlands hub, is the wrong location, but that other sites to the west of Toton will now be considered.
"In his speech, Sir David said only that 'we should be certain on the location of the East Midlands station as soon as possible'. This indecision is prolonging doubt and uncertainty for business.
"It's vital that all interested parties in the region put aside local differences and come together to ensure HS2 hub station can deliver for the whole region and it's crucial that local business is given the opportunity to feed into the development of HS2 to ensure the region reaps maximum benefit."
Meanwhile, Erewash Conservative MP Jessica Lee has said she wants to work closely with HS2 to ensure the location for the station and track "protects homes".
She said: "Broadly speaking it is an exciting opportunity to have the East Midlands Hub in the area.
"I believe this has great regeneration opportunities for Long Eaton, as well as the wider local area, however we will work closely with local residents, businesses and HS2 Ltd to identify a location that protects homes, whilst also ensuring that we get the full benefits of the scheme."
Rupert Brennan-Brown, a spokesman for Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum, said that "a station closer to Derby would make sense".
He said: "The key challenge is to ensure there's a proper link into the Midland Mainline. Without that the new station will be very limited.
"Clearly moving the station closer to Derby offers significant benefits to the city and county, including in terms of journey times."
