Important HS2 Update

A leaflet giving details of the Alternative Route 2.5 is available at the HS2 Ltd roadshow. This is the route that would cut through Hughenden Valley on a giant viaduct.

We are concerned that this is a ploy to get those living close to the Preferred Route 3 to suggest that the Alternative Route 2.5 which would cut through Hughenden Valley be adopted. If this were to happen there would be no further consultation and therefore no opportunity for Hughenden Valley and neighbouring residents to respond.

The Speen Area Action Group (SAAG) met in Speen Village Hall on 10th May to present the latest details on HS2. SAAG and the Federation of 60 Action Groups Against HS2 (AGAHST) are fighting High Speed Rail outright. HVRA is also a member of AGAHST and contributes to the fighting fund.

Please visit www.speenbucks.org.uk for all the very latest information about the Transport Select Committee which seeks submissions by 16th May 2011 and the Public Consultation which ends on 29th July 2011.

Bucks County Council has formed the 51M Group with 13 Local Authorities, with more coming on board, to give a national profile to the campaign because it will cost every parliamentary constituency in the land £51 million to deliver the scheme. HS2 is a waste of public funds (over £1,000 per household) as it is not value for money. This is based on a cost of £34 billion, but with increasing energy costs and price inflation these figures will rise substantially.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  • Please write to your MP, David Lidington with your views to swell his mailbag
  • Also encourage six friends and family who live “off-line” to write to their MPs expressing opposition and encourage each of them to ask six more friends and family who also live “off-line” to write to their MPs.
  • Attend the Road Shows. Please do not complete the Consultation document at the Road Show, but take it home and complete it after reading the Q & A section on the SAAG website. This also applies when completing the Consultation document on-line.
  • Respond to the Consultation by 29th July 2011.