HS2 is already detrimentally affecting many of my constituents, with the proposed route cutting right across South Northamptonshire.

Earlier this month I drove along the line of route through our area, and received an update on its progress from HS2 officials. But I was also keen to meet with constituents who are day in, day out living with the adverse effects of HS2’s construction.   

Starting in Boddington and ending in Evenley, I met with individual constituents and community groups.

The following concerns were raised with me:

Boddington – development of the Yellow Brick Road (Haul Road) and the state of surrounding roads due to increased construction traffic. Safety and speeding issues were also raised.

Chipping Warden – the severe financial and logistical effect on local farmers, state and safety of local roads, including Welsh Road closure and flooding. General facilitation and progress updates.

Greatworth – access rights during construction, state and safety of local roads.

Radstone – line and vertical height of the proposed route, noise, safety and security and construction concerns. Radstone and A43 junction safety issues. General facilitation and progress updates.

Whitfield – access to Brackley during the construction phase, travel flow expectations, safety of the A43/Whitfield turning, number and speed of ‘rat runners’ coming through the village and noise compensation.

Evenley – effects of traffic on the village, ‘rat runners’ and large numbers of lorries and HGV traffic on the A43 roundabout.

I also visited the HS2 heave site and compound to meet with staff and apprentices and to see the work that has been undertaken by HS2 and Fusion. 

My priority, as it has been for the last ten years will continue to make sure that affected constituents receive fair compensation and mitigation. I will shortly be meeting with the new Minister for HS2, Andrew Stephenson MP, to directly raise the individuals concerns of South Northamptonshire residents. 

The Minister will report to Parliament twice a year to hold HS2 properly to account, which means the very real objections of householders and businesses as well as of the local community will be addressed and dealt with.

If you are a constituent in South Northamptonshire directly affected by HS2 and would like me to raise your concerns with the Minister then please contact me.