HS2: who’s doing what?By the Editor
Although formal consultation on the proposed High Speed Rail (HS2) network isn’t due to start until autumn 2010 a number of groups have already begun to organise themselves to resist the plan and in the short term to discuss the “Exceptional Hardship Scheme” (see next article).
The Parish, District and County Councils have all declared themselves opposed to the preferred route, as have local MPs (and prospective MPs), the Chiltern Society, the Chiltern Conservation Board and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.
Local action groups have been formed up and down the preferred route and have now begun networking with each other, both at face-to-face meetings and on-line. The various groups include the HS2 Action Alliance, HP16 Campaign Group, Chiltern Countryside Group and Save the Chilterns, as well as more informal groups based in Potter Row and at The Cock and Rabbit (as featured on ‘Countryfile’).
When the consultation process formally gets under way, all manner of groups and associations – as well as individuals – will have the opportunity to express their views on the proposals.
The different groups at this stage continue to evolve (all totally natural and understandable), however we do see plenty of liaison. A co-ordinating group (to be known as the HS2 Steering Group) is being discussed both to act as an umbrella organisation for all the smaller groups and to co-ordinate expert advice.
Expertise is needed (in transport, business, finance, engineering, economics, legal and environmental matters) to refute the assumptions and arguments that lie behind the proposals. If you have specific expertise that could help in these areas, please get in touch with one of the key local contacts:
· John Ford, Chairman of the Parish Council; tel: 837726 or email john.ford35@btinternet.comStop Press
· Nick Rose, Elected member Chiltern District Council; 837688 or nick.rose.hs2@chiltern.gov.uk
· HP16 Campaign group; contact and updates via The Lee Forum
· HS2 Action Group; email info@hs2action.co.uk
There will be an informal drop in 'surgery' manned by local volunteers for anyone seeking help in writing their responses to the EHS (supported by the Parish Council) in The Lee Parish Hall on Saturday 8th May, 8.30am - 10.00am.
There is also to be a Parish meeting on HS2 on 19th May and a public meeting at Aylesbury Civic Centre on 20th May. (This second meeting will be by ticket only; arrangements to be announced shortly.)