Craig attended a meeting today with the new HS2 Minister, Huw Merriman, having been the first MP to secure one with him following his recent appointment.
As many of you will know, the constituency is the most affected outside of London with many years of upheaval. 35% of homes in the constituency are directly impacted by the project in one way or another, which is quite astounding when you consider that 1/3 of the population are in Bedworth, which isn't directly affected at all.
Craig shared a copy of the letter that he recently sent to the Chancellor making the case for scrapping the whole scheme, including HS2 East (formerly HS2 Phase 2B Eastern leg) which has not yet been granted Royal Assent.
Craig also took the opportunity to raise a number of other issues that constituents are facing in the North Warwickshire Borough as a result of HS2, such as the severe local disruption to towns and villages, the Bromford Tunnel and lack of scrutiny to what is being done on the ground by HS2 Ltd.
Craig has invited the HS2 Minister to visit North Warwickshire, which he was pleased to accept. The Minister said he would like to see the impact on several areas including Water Orton, so Craig looks forward to taking him round. There will also be meeting with NWBC to discuss the challenges they have been facing, particularly around planning matter where they fall outside of the consent granted in the Act.
By the end of the meeting, Craig felt very re-assured that the Minister had taken onboard his concerns and he understands the challenges that the constituency faces. The Minister is bringing a lot of experience into the role having served as Chairman of the Transport Select Committee for a number of years and he looks forward to further positive engagement with the Minister in the months ahead.
Finally, the incoming Chair of the Transport Select Committee has also accepted Crags request for a visit, which will happen in the new year.