Gillan calms fears over HS2 consultation (From Bucks Free Press)

Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan calms residents' fears over HS2 consultation

4:50pm Sunday 26th August 2012 in News By Andy Carswell

Gillan calms fears over HS2 consultation

ALL the responses from Amersham and Chesham residents to the HS2 consultation were properly analysed by the firm in charge of the scheme, MP Cheryl Gillan said this week.

More than 400 responses to the consultation were accidentally missed out of the Department for Transport's analysis, sparking threats of legal action from angry campaigners.

None of those that were missed out came from people living in the Chesham and Amersham constituency, Mrs Gillan said, but she added she was still "surprised and disappointed" so many responses were missed.

Mrs Gillan made the announcement after HS2 Ltd Chief Executive Alison Munro wrote to her with an explanation on the error.

The MP said: “I was very concerned, as were my constituents, about reports that some of the responses to the consultation had not been analysed.

“Having submitted more than 700 individual responses which were sent to me – more than seven files of material – I wanted to know that these responses were given due consideration - particularly as some of the responses that HS2 Ltd have said were not analysed were from organisations and people whom I had included in my submission.

“I am glad to be able to give those constituents who sent their submissions and views to me the peace of mind that their representations have been considered and do form part of the documentation which has been recorded formally.

“HS2 Ltd also told me that all those who were affected by the error have been contacted by email to tell them about the Transport Secretary’s statement.

“However I remain surprised and disappointed at the problems that have arisen in this important and sensitive process of gathering views on the HS2 proposals and will be continuing to ensure that the organisations providing information to the Government appreciate that these errors are intolerable to my constituents who are so severely affected by HS2.”

Among the respondents to the consultation who had their submission overlooked were the HS2 Action Alliance, which said it would consider taking legal action.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening sparked further anger by saying the 413 missing responses formed only a small percentage of the total and would not have altered her thinking as to how to approach the next stage of the HS2 project.

The scheme is subject to five separate judicial reviews, which will be held in the High Court later this year.