Action group will meet to strengthen HS2 fight

Members are disappointed about the Government’s decision to press on with the project despite what they believe are only minor route changes and remain concerned about the visual impact on houses in Leicester Lane, damage to the Leam Valley, destruction of ancient woodland, the loss of a National Champion wild pear tree on the route and the noise impact on the entire village.

Angered by what it has called a “totally inadequate response” to the environmental effect HS2 will have on the village, The group wants to meet representatives of HS2 Limited and will continue to work with other action groups and the 51M alliance of councils which are opposed to the project.

Campaigners have said HS2 has failed to win public approval, with 91 per cent of respondents to the public consultation being opposed to the scheme.

Peter Delow, the Cubbington action group’s chairman, said: “We are amazed at how casually the Government has dismissed all the doubts about the details of the HS2 proposals that have been expressed by thousands of respondents to the consultation, the many reports and articles from many think-tanks, organisations, journalists and the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

“Unbelievably, the response by the Government seems to be, overall, that there were no faults in the original proposals.

“The Government has concluded that HS2 is the best solution to enhancing the capacity and performance of our key North-South rail links.

“This decision was based on Network Rail’s report commissioned by the Government.

“The fact that Network Rail’s work was done in such secrecy indicates just how shabby and underhand the Government has been in its relentless efforts to push for HS2.

“When comparing alternative proposals to HS2, Network Rail made no attempt to seek clarification from the rail experts, engaged by 51M, who had formulated these proposals.”

The public meeting takes place at Cubbington village hall in Broadway on Wednesday from 7.30pm.