Continuation of HS2 construction work
Many constituents have written to me about the continuation of HS2 construction work during the Coronavirus lockdown.
With workers travelling from all around the UK to sites in South Northamptonshire, it brings obvious public health risks and concerns around the apparent lack of social distancing.
The project now appears to be continuing with a lack of scrutiny, as community engagement meetings and my regular liaison committee meetings have been cancelled.
In addition, many of my constituents have still not received proper compensation for land, legal fees and other claims - this is not right.
I have written to the HS2 Minister to ask for urgent answers on these points and to request a meeting to raise constituent concerns with him directly.
When this health crisis is over, we will need to reconsider whether some of these big infrastructure projects should be going ahead. I have always said that HS2 is not good value for taxpayer’s money, and when so many people have now become used to working from home, the case for it is going to be even weaker.
HS2 has provided an update on the status of work during the Coronavirus lockdown at the following sites in South Northamptonshire:
In the Radstone area:
Fusion have stopped work at this location. The fencing works in this area remain on hold and are under review. Alternative locations for small temporary compounds are being evaluated.
In the Greatworth area:
Archaeological trial trenching works are continuing in the Greatworth area. This is to better understand if there is any significant archaeology in the area.
A small amount of construction activity is ongoing at the B4525 junction upgrade works
In the Chipping Warden / Aston Le Walls area:
Construction works related to the Chipping Warden Relief Road and nearby Welsh Road crossroads are continuing. This is being managed from the local compound.
The A361 road closure has been postponed.
Fencing works in the Chipping Warden to Boddington area will continue to demarcate required land. The team are operating from a number of established temporary compounds including Chipping Warden.
I will continue to press HS2 for any changes in work status at these sites. In the meantime, if you are concerned about social distancing at these locations please contact me at andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk
