Delight at the defeat of the railfreight project is spreading across party political boundaries.

St Albans Conservative MP Anne Main and Aislinn Lee, Lib Dem district councillor for Park Street, both describe themselves as over the moon, vying to outdo the other in congratulations to campaigners, and claim credit for the Government that unites their parties.

Mrs Main said: "A different Government, with a different view on these matters, has come to the right decision. I have always maintained that this was the wrong location for such a development.

“I am pleased that the Secretary of State has agreed that, with other more appropriate developments potentially coming on stream, such as Colnbrook, there was nothing to justify wrecking the Green Belt in St Albans.

"This is a testament to the huge efforts of Cathy Bolshaw and the Strife team, who have spent years putting together a well researched and knowledgeable case against the proposal. They have served St Albans above and beyond the call of duty."

Councillor Lee said: "This is absolutely brilliant news for Park Street, St Albans and surrounding areas.

"After years and years of dedicated hard work from individual residents, Strife, local councillors and St Albans District Council finally we have the result we all so rightly deserve.

"When the community comes together with such a united front against this abominable proposal it is indeed gratifying to see that this coalition government made the right decision."