Thousands at Gt Missenden HS2 rallyBy Colin Sully
An estimated two thousand people, including many residents of The Lee, gathered at Great Missenden on 7th November to rally against the proposed HS2 railway. The event, organised by HS2 Action Alliance, was a way of informing local people what was currently happening… and what needs to happen next. It was also used as a fund-raising event by the Alliance, as it has now reached the point where it needs to employ professional advisors in order to effectively present the arguments against the proposals.
There were information booths in the village hall and a play by Great Missenden schoolchildren, followed by a series of talks from various speakers, all chaired by The Lee resident Kathryn Gurney.
Speakers included MPs Cheryl Gillan and David Lidington, Bucks County Councillor Martin Tett, Hilary Wharf from South Heath representing HS2 Action Alliance, Shirley Judges from the Chiltern Conservation Board, John Gladwin from the Chiltern Society, Felicity Simpson and Edward Ward.
A number of clear messages came across during the afternoon:
- The current plans are not a ‘done deal’. There is still an opportunity to influence the decisions.
- We are moving towards a crucial stage in presenting the arguments, during which it will be necessary to make a strong case using professional advisors.
- The different groups need to continue to work together to make this robust case, highlighting the flaws in the business, economic and environmental assumptions.
- Opposition groups also need to suggest viable alternatives; the Government needs a ‘let-out’ on this, so that they can still offer ‘the wider economic and social benefits’ that it has claimed for HS2, especially in the north.
- Keep writing to your MP, to the Secretary of State, to the Chancellor and, better still, get your friends and relatives in other constituencies to do the same.
- Sign the ‘Stop HS2’ petition and again get others to do the same.
- Pledge financial support: your money really is needed and it will make a difference. Contact www.hs2actionalliance.com or pick up a leaflet at the Shop.