Campaigners stand firm as HS2 work starts

PROTESTERS SAY WORK ON RAILWAY IS ‘ECONOMIC MADNESS’

AS HS2 confirmed the formal start of construction work of the controversial rail project on Friday September 4, it continues to be met with backlash in Hillingdon.

The largely symbolic announcement was made, revealing some 22,000 jobs are set to be created as the project moves away from preparation works to actually building the railway.

Prime Minister and Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP Boris Johnson, said: “HS2 is at the heart of our plans to build back better – and with construction now formally underway, it’s set to create around 22,000 new jobs.

“As the spine of our country’s transport network, the project will be vital in boosting connectivity between our towns and cities. But HS2’s transformational potential goes even further. By creating hundreds of apprenticeships and thousands of skilled jobs, HS2 will fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity across this country for years to come.”

Anti-HS2 protesters have been protesting in Westminster since September 1 against the project, with a rally including Extinction Rebellion, Stop HS2 and supporters of the protesters at Denham camp in Hillingdon.

Reacting to the announcement on September 4, Hillingdon campaigner Sarah Green said HS2 is “economic madness”.

“HS2 is being constructed using public sector borrowing when public sector debt stands at over £2 trillion,” she said.

“We can’t borrow our way out of the multiple emergencies we face.

“At some point the UK will have to pay back and at that point we had better be self-reliant on food, water and sustainable energy, at the very least. HS2 has no benefits for the vast majority of people who will ultimately pay the debt.

“In Hillingdon, many jobs are being destroyed, including farming and leisure and pleasure activities, as the last farmland in London and areas of biodiversity rich nature reserves and outdoor activities are obliterated.

“This destruction is not limited to a railway-sized corridor, but extends to more than 1,000 areas of the wetland nature reserves.

“Affinity Water Ltd has already applied to close one of the most productive water pumping stations in Colne Valley due to HS2 activities.”

More than 800 people have now signed a petition over supporting Hillingdon Council’s decision to refuse works for HS2 to build a viaduct through the water supply, due to what the council cited as a lack of information on the project.

The decision is currently being appealed by HS2.

It is understood HS2 is working closely with Affinity Water and the

Environment Agency over managing any risks to the water supply.

Last month Hillingdon Council won a legal battle against the corporation over refusing to approve a planning application.

The local authority continues to make decisions over HS2 works in practical terms via its major applications planning sub-committee for HS2.

Following the Court of Appeal decision, council leader Ray Puddifoot said the authority would continue to “challenge decisions that may harm our environment or the health and well-being of our people.’’

HS2