MP raises HS2 concerns with Chief Executive (From Bucks Free Press)

MP raises HS2 concerns with Chief Executive

12:23pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Andy Carswell

A SOUTH Bucks MP raised concerns at the lack of detailed information over HS2 when he met the project's Chief Executive yesterday.

Aylesbury MP David Lidington spoke with Alison Munro, Chief Executive of HS2 Ltd, and two members of her team for more than an hour to raise issues about the proposed scheme.

During the meeting at the House of Commons Mr Lidington raised concerns at the Community Forum process, the noise impact of HS2 and mitigation measures - as well as what he said was a lack of detail being provided on noise and construction sites and the poor availability of information on HS2 Ltd’s website.

HS2 Ltd said they expect to be able to provide further information at the Community Forums in November and January.

Mr Lidington said: "I was pleased to meet with Ms Munro and her team to discuss these important issues and express my constituents’ concerns regarding the Community Forum process and the lack of information being provided on noise and mitigation measures.

"I have asked HS2 Ltd to agree to a record of the meeting and will be publishing this as soon as possible on my website.

"I was particularly keen to highlight that I believe HS2 Ltd should be as transparent as possible in the information it provides to local people regarding the development of the scheme."

Meanwhile Mr Lidington and fellow south Bucks Tory MPs Cheryl Gillan and John Bercow have urged residents to take part in the consultation over a compensation scheme announced last week.

He said: "It is very important that as many people as possible respond to the consultation to put as much moral pressure as possible on the Department for Transport to ensure their final scheme is both generous and comprehensive."

Mrs Gillan added: "It is vital that we make fully aware the strength of feeling on this issue to HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport. If we are unable to halt this project then we must at least ensure that we have achieved the best possible package of compensation for those affected."