Many constituents are opposed to the HS2 project, and I share their concerns about value for money as well as the hugely negative impact on our local area. 

Nevertheless I am pleased that the Greatworth Community Transport Association will be receiving £74,977 for a 16-seater community minibus service for the communities of Greatworth and the surrounding area for a period of three years during the main HS2 construction works. The minibus will be fitted with a tail-lift to ensure it is fully wheelchair-accessible. 

The CEF funded project will provide a regular service to improve accessibility to larger neighbouring towns and villages such as Brackley and Middleton Cheney and it will also provide transport for a number of community groups. The minibus will also be used to provide occasional trips for social, cultural and sporting occasions such as trips to the theatre, gardens, National Trust properties and sports events.

And Boddington Parish Council has been awarded £51,175 for recreational cycling activities. This project will provide cycling facilities on Charles Cowper Field including a Bikeability training area to prepare young people for on-road cycling; a Learn to Ride track which will create an environment where off-road cycling skills can be learnt and practised and an adventurous bike trail including challenges of varying difficulty which can be selected or bypassed as confidence is gained.

I look forward to seeing how these two projects progress.