First HS2/EWR Marshal hits the streets of Bucks

Democracy and Local Affairs, Homepage, Transport
In the photo: Cllr Angela Macpherson (deputy leader of Buckinghamshire Council) and Cllr Frank Mahon (Ward member for Steeple Claydon) with Mark Rann – HS2/EWR Marshal – out on site in North Bucks.

Due to the significant increase in the HS2 /EWR works across the county, Buckinghamshire Council has appointed its first HS2/EWR Marshal to help residents impacted by the projects.

The Marshal will be the Council’s eyes and ears on the ground addressing highways and planning issues caused by HS2 Ltd, the EWR Alliance and their appointed agents, contractors and subcontractors.

Mark Rann took up his role in late July and is quickly getting to know the key issues across Bucks and building relationships with interested parties.

Mark said: “This is going to be a really exciting and challenging job.  I will be having direct contact with HS2 Ltd, EWR Alliance and their appointed agents and contractors, with the aim of minimising impact on the highway network and inconvenience to the public; liaising directly with statutory utility companies and other parties to ensure the Highway Authority obligations for street works and traffic management are met.

I am looking forward to representing the Local Planning & Highway Authority at public meetings, liaising with Councillors, Parish Councils, local forums, residents and businesses.”

Councillor Peter Martin, Cabinet Member with responsibility for HS2 and EWR said: “We have identified the need to invest further into our handling of HS2/EWR activities for the benefit of our communities.

We are delighted that Mark has now joined us. This is an extremely important role and with him out in the field, he will help us resolve the many issues our residents are experiencing as a result of the works of HS2 and EWR and ensure we do all we can to mitigate the impact and activities of these projects.

We are hoping Mark will be joined by another Marshal in the very near future to give us even more support across the whole of Bucks.”

A major part of the Marshal’s role will be to respond to complaints and queries relating to traffic management, highways activities and planning related issues of HS2 and EWR. To achieve this, they will ensure that all works and site operations are completed within the agreed plans, programmes and timescales; issue instructions and directions to the contractors to minimise disruption and inconvenience to the public. They will also have the Council’s planning powers of entry to check works and mitigation are compliant with the Town and Country Planning and Local Government Acts.

Mark can be contacted by email on ewrandhs2enquiries@buckinghamshire.gov.uk