Cost-effective option to replace HS2 folly?
DAVID Briggs’ letter (“Cat out of bag over real reason for HS2”, Opinion, January 20) demonstrates it didn’t take Chris Packham long to acquire 100,000 signatures on a petition to Parliament. It’s very reassuring that lots of folk see HS2 as problematic. What is disturbing is that politicians and councillors keep pumping money into this, Lord Adonis’s vanity project. Which is out of kilter with Conservative philosophy. They consider themselves reverential with taxpayers’ money.
An alarming feature of HS2, in need of closer scrutiny, is the number of local authorities that have reportedly signed some clandestine non-disclosure agreements with a company named HS2 Limited. It’s my understanding these agreements are connected to how the land and properties are to be purchased, and compensation is to be paid. Even the HS2 route is suspect as it cuts through some of the most expensive real estate in the country.
There is a more cost-effective and direct route. Visualise the disused route from Marylebone to Manchester. It would pass under the Victoria Centre, Nottingham, and continue to all points northbound.
The significance of this route: it was the last railway built in the 19th century. There are three key features of the old railway, 1) it was the straightest line laid (equalling HS2, today?); 2) it was built without using level crossings, and 3) Importantly, the land the tracks were laid upon was signed for, on a 999-year leasehold agreements.
When the railways closed, circa 1960s, these leaseholds carry on (meaning much of the land is still owned by the Government).
Obviously, following this route, real estate is valued cheaper than the Cotswolds on the HS2 side. In some parts, the land will have been built upon.
In such cases, the land would be compulsory purchased and compensated for, like any other Government development. However, much of the causeway lies abandoned in open countryside. Even at this late stage, to transfer HS2 to this route would save billions! Apply commonsense and not rocket science.
Nigel J Starbuck Bingham do, to our local vendor in Arnold town centre, I learned that he now has to rely on voluntary donations from the public. A struggle against the odds, we might call it.
Nonetheless, What kind of life the future holds for such as this vendor is anybody’s guess.
Meanwhile opportunity and support beckons as The Big Issue moves into the digital age, attempting as it as to ride the pandemic storm with an enterprise that has been dealing with poverty for 30 years.
An ebike venture has led to The Big Issue partnering up with Sharebike, aiming to launch its first such fleet in early 2021, and plan on recruiting and retraining people who were previously unemployed to run the schemes.
Big Issue ebike employees will be paid a living wage and supported with access to services (such as the bikes) to improve their lives. For those facing unemployment in the wake of Covid-19, an opportunity will be offered: a free three month digital subscription to The Big Issue with access to free and discounted training. Let’s support them as best we can. Councillor John M Parr Plains ward Gedling Borough Counci