Aylesbury MP confronts HS2 Minister with realities of local disruption and damage caused by the line

Aylesbury MP Rob Butler has today given the HS2 minister, Andrew Stephenson, a first-hand insight into the disruption being suffered by local residents, businesses and sports clubs as a result of the construction of the rail line.

Rob took the minister to Stoke Mandeville to visit landowners affected by HS2’s construction, who have experienced damage to their property by contractors, delayed compensation payments and a lack of communication about key decisions.

Rob and the minister then went to Wendover Cricket Club to hear about the ongoing difficulties about its relocation, and see the area where residents want a bored mined tunnel. Cllrs Peter Strachan and Richard Newcombe joined them to reiterate their strong support for the bored tunnel and to describe the blight HS2’s construction is causing. Bucks Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Steven Broadbent, explained the chaos being caused on local roads by HS2’s construction traffic.

Rob also chaired a meeting attended by the Chairman of Wendover Parish Council, Cllr Sheila Bulpett, the Chairman of Wendover HS2 Action Group, Ron Petersen, and the Rev Sally Moring, at St Mary’s Church, Wendover. They all demanded much better mitigation for the village – which is one of the most affected communities on the line of route.

Rob said:
“I was determined to show the minister first-hand the realities of life with HS2, in person and at the places most affected. Week after week I have complaints from residents and businesses about the unnecessary harm being caused by construction of the line, which will bring zero benefit to Buckinghamshire.

“I also made it clear that a bored mined tunnel would make a massive difference to the lives of Wendover residents, who have campaigned for many years to get a fair hearing. I’m glad that for the first time they have now had the opportunity to argue their case with the minister face to face, in the very place that is set to suffer so much.

“Having seen the cruel realities of this dreadful railway, I hope Andrew Stephenson will bear their plight in mind in the months and years ahead. I was particularly pleased to be able to highlight to him that the lack of consistency and communication from HS2 Ltd has real-world implications for decent, hard-working local people who are just trying to get on with their lives.

“The message to him was simple and unanimous – we must have better mitigation from the noise, the traffic disruption and the environmental harm being done by HS2; HS2 Ltd says it wants to be a good neighbour – those words must be matched with action!”

Photos and release courtesy the office of Rob Butler MP.