Local MPs Meet with Transport Minister to Discuss HS2

Thursday, November 29th, 2012

Christopher Pincher MP & Dan Byles MP

Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, together with Dan Byles, North Warwickshire MP, met with Simon Burns MP, Minister of State for Transport, to discuss their concerns relating to HS2.

On the agenda was the latest compensation package announced earlier this month and the on-going battle for the best mitigation measures for local villages in Staffordshire and North Warwickshire.

Mr Pincher said afterwards, “It was a good opportunity to meet Simon Burns to discuss the impact of HS2 on local communities in Tamworth.  I want villagers in Hints, Drayton Bassett, Knox Grave Lane, Swinfen and Packington in Lichfield District to receive the best mitigation and compensation package available.  The new Long Term Hardship Scheme includes improvements on the current Exceptional Hardship Scheme but I remain concerned that it is too inflexible and still difficult to get.

“The Minister promised to look at this issues we raised and particularly the mitigation proposals submitted by local communities.  HS2 is causing unasked for blight to businesses, families and communities.  It is only fair that they receive a decent compensation and mitigation package.”

Mr Pincher is shortly to take more representatives of local villages in Tamworth constituency to see Professor Andrew McNaughton, Chief Engineer to HS2, to raise their concerns about mitigation measures.

Dan Byles MP commented, “All local MPs are working together to try to do the right thing for our communities.  We both argued that compensation should be more freely available and flexible.  It is far too rigid at the moment and not delivering compensation where it is clearly needed.

“I also raised concerns about the “safeguarding” approach which, around Gilson for example, leaves several homes effectively stranded and without any compensation.”

Specific issues, which were raised, included:

  • The exact measurement of the proposed Voluntary Purchase Zone in North Warwickshire and Staffordshire.  Mr Burns has committed to providing this information to both MPs
  • The approach to safeguarding
  • The definition of “long term” in the new Long Term Hardship Scheme (officials admit that “long term” only extends to a three year time horizon)
  • HS2’s engagement in local Consultation Forums
  • HS2’s lack of provision of adequate maps and briefing materials
  • The lack of available and affordable alternative housing for those families and businesses that will be uprooted by the development of the railway