North Warwickshire and Bedworth MP Craig Tracey queried HS2’s decision to move the line significantly closer to the Village of Austrey, in a move he described as ‘by stealth’.
Mr Tracey recognised, by comparing maps of the original proposed line to the new one, that the HS2 report launched on Monday, had not set out the move in track as it had with other changes.
In the Parliamentary Debate which followed Mr Tracey questioned the Secretary of State for Transport saying:
“North Warwickshire has consistently suffered due to a lack of engagement from HS2, so I was alarmed to learn this morning that despite assurances given by HS2 to my local councils just three weeks ago, there would be no changes to the line locally. The line will, in fact, move around 150 metres nearer to the village of Austrey, although that significant change was not even mentioned in the route refinement document. That the very first paper published on phase 2b directly contradicts information offered by HS2 so recently is cause for great concern. What assurances can my Right Honourable Friend give me that communication will actually improve? Will he meet me to discuss the impacts of the most recent changes on my constituents?”
Minister Chris Grayling replied:
“I absolutely give my honourable friend that assurance. I was not aware of the situation that he describes, and the Minister and I will talk to him about how we address it.”
Mr Tracey met with the Transport Secretary and HS2 almost immediately after the debate to outline his concerns in detail.
The local MP explained:
“I could not believe that every change that HS2 had made in their new Phase 2b Summary Report was outlined in writing, but not the track move in Austrey, which is significant. I find the lack of communication and clarity for residents outrageous and I told that to HS2 Ltd and the Transport Secretary.”
Mr Tracey also expressed disappointment that calls from himself and local action groups to move the track running through Kingsbury Water Park could not be met due to ‘the need to connect to Phase One, and to ensure that the design complies with our design standards, meant that there were limited opportunities to redesign the route in this area.’
However, the route will be reduced in height by 4 metres in this area and in Whateley. Meanwhile three proposed viaducts by Kingsbury Waterpark has been reduced into one.
The announcement outlined a consultation on property compensation and mitigation for residents directly affected by the line. New assistance and compensation schemes were also launched and HS2 has promised to write to affected residents with details.
Craig Tracey MP promised that his office would continue to support residents in their applications for mitigation.