I hope it is now clear that there are a number of issues that have led me to oppose HS2. However, for me the overriding issue that has led me to pledge to vote against HS2 in the House of Commons is the impact locally on my constituency and my constituents.
Due to our location alongside Birmingham, and the planned location of the new Birmingham Interchange Station for HS2, we face having the high speed rail line potentially devastating a number of local towns and villages.
Gilson, Water Orton, Coleshill, Middleton and surrounding farms and homes face a severe impact from the construction of the line, and then from its operation in some cases just tens of metres from people’s homes.
Already, I am dealing with a number of constituents who have found that the blight caused by the proposed route is already impacting on their lives before a single track has been laid. There are people who can’t sell their homes, and businesses who can’t attract the investment they need to grow, all due to the uncertainty about whether the line will come through our community or not, and exactly where.
Anyone who knows the areas affected will know that they have already borne more than their fair share of national transport infrastructure projects. The M42 and the Birmingham Northern Relief Road (now the M6 Toll) caused considerable distress and blight in recent memory. To now be asked to put up with HS2 as well is a bitter pill.
