Protest goes on against HS2
I AM compelled to take issue with your report in the Uxbridge Gazette of February 28 regarding the HS2 protests at Harvil Road, Harefield.
We have not been evicted. We have not been barred from protesting. This would after all be an infringement of our human rights. In his summing up, Mr Justice Barling praised the protesters for their concerns and considered their protest laudable especially in light of ‘a project some consider to be a gross waste of money.’ The protest is very much alive and kicking and we continue to welcome support from across the community.
Further to the above I would like to exercise a right of reply to the glib pronouncement from HS2.
The idea that HS2 might be delivered on time and on budget is risible. The current official estimate of £57bn stands with no station, no bridge, no tunnel, no locomotive no rolling stock yet designed. It seems clear industry estimates of £104bn are more realistic. And none of this considers the costs to those affected through evictions, property values collapsing, business and industry strangled by traffic jams.
HS2’s claims to be creating a quality green corridor are equally risible. The devastation in the Colne Valley alone is testament to that. The fact that they have planned mitigation for all of two species of the 2400 found there is testament to that. But the destruction goes further, 98 ancient woodlands, nature reserves, SSSi’s, lakes, rivers, wetlands, the Chiltern AONB will all feel the marauding hand of HS2.
This is a hopelessly ill considered, ill conceived, poorly planned vanity project not fit for our times, not fit for us.
Mark Keir, coordinator Hillingdon Green party