Wendover HS2 Mitigation Action Group, March 2023

Slow progress locally
There was not much visible progress from HS2 in February, with the highlights being the start of installation of the temporary bridge over the cutting for the Ellesborough Road diversion. (top photo) There has also been a procession of lorries delivering hardcore and a massive stockpile has been created close to Folly Bridge. (bottom photo). Our understanding is that the Environment Agency are still not happy about the potential impact on the Coombe Hill Aquifer and are not permitting any significant excavation of the Green Tunnel cutting.

HS2 under review
There have been press reports that the DfT are concerned about the overall HS2 costs, with “Project Silverlight” looking for “savings through a combination of delays and cuts in the first phase of the project”. Also “Operation Blue Diamond” is looking at “cost-cutting across the entire HS2 project”. Final decisions are expected in the summer, and it remains to be seen if the Euston terminus will actually be built. While we think the section of the line past Wendover will be completed, the frequency of trains will need to be reduced due to the limited number of platforms planned at Old Oak Common. Lord Berkeley (who has criticised the project for many years) has advocated that HS2 train speeds are reduced to 125 mph, and investment diverted to Northern railway projects.

Misbourne Greenway
Sustrans have reported that funding has been received from the Chilterns HS2 AONB Review Group to extend the cycleway north from Great Missenden to Dunsmore Lane this summer. This should then connect with HS2 plans to build a cycleway under the Small Dean Viaduct; and also along the top of the Wendover Green Tunnel. That should eventually connect Great Missenden to Waddesdon as part of the National Cycle Network.

Cricket Ground survey results
Thanks for making your opinions known about the future of the old Cricket Ground site behind Ellesborough Road. 87% of the responses favour reuse as public access woodland, with 64% against development of sports facilities. Similarly, 89% were against significant increase in car parking facilities.

Help from HS2?
In addition to resolving your complaints, if you think HS2 can help with a social value project in the Wendover area please contact the HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 (which is available 24 hours a day) or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk. HS2 can support in a variety of ways including financial donations, volunteering hours and material donations. Information on funding is available at https://hs2funds.org.uk/about/ .

Need our help?
If you need further help, want to join us, or have ideas or suggestions that would mitigate the community impact, then get in touch at enquiries@whs2.org.

Doing what’s right for Wendover
See whs2.org