Nothing good to say about HS2

MARK Keir’s letter in the Gazette (28.3.18 ) is right to question those who oppose freedom of speech and freedom to protest peacefully about the planned HS2 (high speed rail link) between London and Birmingham and eventually Manchester and Leeds.

They have a right to protest on the Harvil Road as a democratic right.

HS2 is not just going to cut the country in two it is going to destroy communities.

The plans of the HS2 hierarchy keep changing. The initial costing of £32billion that was once quoted now stands at £56bn and possibly rises to the astronomical figure of £104bn.

How the country can contemplate the ridiculous inflated cost in the light of possible Brexit divorce figure, the tragedy of funding in the NHS and the cuts in the education and public service budgets.

The Woodland Trust disproves the HS2 green corridor idea that is being mooted in the project. Mark Keir suggests that 98 ancient woodlands will be affected.

Endangered Bechstein bats are other causes for concern along with many woodland animals in the Chilterns.

As a Hillingdon resident I am upset that our lovely green borough and wider England could be adversely affected by HS2.

Mark and others in the Harvil Road protest have unselfishly given their time to oppose HS2. I believe HS2 will not give more economic prosperity or consistent employment opportunities.

At a time when we have a considerable national debt have we not already sufficient rail networks in the UK?

You can read the agreements reached with Hillingdon Council, the Secretary of State for Transport and HS2 enshrined in the act of 2017 at Hillingdon.gov.uk.

I am worried that the mitigation factors are not being taken seriously enough, as the Hillingdon householder, the environment and woodland and field animals of all forms will suffer in the years before HS2 finishes in 2033.

The top speed of trains would have to be reduced anyway to 300km an hour so that noise levels can be diminished by 30%.

No other country in the world runs trains faster than this. I cannot think of a good thing to say about HS2.