Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group – July 2022

Some works progressing
During June there have been some visible signs of progress by EKFB, notably the creation of a new path between Ellesborough Road and Wellwick Farm as a diversion for the Right of Way that crossed the field behind Wendover Station.

The circuitous path follows the edge of the land allocated for use by HS2, and will be part of the eventual design once the Green Tunnel has been built.

Less obvious developments include the creation of miles of field drains to handle surface water around the works area and the creation of settlement ponds to allow clean water to flow into the existing brooks.

While the Environment Agency is understood to be withholding approval for any works that will affect the Aquifer in the Green Tunnel section, considerable excavation has been undertaken in the Small Dean section in preparation for the Viaduct. There is now a massive spoil dump at Small Dean Lane, which is estimated to grow to 150,000 tons of material before being moved north to form the embankment beside the Bypass and cover the Green Tunnel.

Some expected works outstanding
Two significant works that are later than expected include the installation of the conveyor bridge over the A413 at Small Dean, which was scheduled with overnight road closures between 14 and 16 June as we went to press. This was delayed from May to resolve some road safety considerations.

Also the long awaited demolition of the cottages in Ellesborough Road took place between 13 and 15 June with daytime road closures. This was delayed from last year due to bats roosting, but this should now be resolved with the warmer weather and removal of some roofing tiles.

Monitoring HS2 Lorries in Wendover
There was a recent spate of HS2 related HGV lorries carrying tarmacadam going through Wendover trying to find the works compound beside the bypass. This should not be happening, as the formal route explicitly avoids the village centre. You can report issues like this (or make any other complaints) to the HS2 Helpdesk which is available 24 hours a day on 08081 434 434.

Fundraising & ideas
If you would like to help us “Do what’s right for Wendover”, have a look at our website whs2.org where you’ll find details of what we’re doing, and our ‘donate’ button which leads to our fund-raising page. All contributions are gratefully received to help us fight the HS2 Scheme before it’s built.

If you have ideas or suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org and we’ll assist however we can.

Doing what’s right for Wendover
See whs2.org