Getting our voices heard about HS2

The meeting was chaired by the Killamarsh HS2 Action Group with guest speaker North East Derbyshire MP Natascha Engel and representatives from HS2 and also the Department For Transport.

The meeting was fairly well attended with more than 60 people wanting to hear directly from HS2 why it was planned to have the depot located in Staveley.

They also wanted to know what HS2 intended to do about the impact the proposed site of the hub depot would have on the people living in close proximity, the people who live in Park Homes and the Staveley area in general.

I also wanted to know when a decision was being made as to the final route.

At first, I was told it would be some time in the autumn. However, I wanted to find out just exactly when.

After some questioning the people from HS2 did accept that a decision on the route would be made by the end of December this year.

It was claimed by HS2 that they want to be seen as transparent.

However, I pointed out that considering there are alternative route possibilities, would they be transparent and tell us exactly where these other possible routes were.

They declined and said it was felt that it was not in the public’s best interest to know them.

I actually pointed out that maybe it was because they did not want more groups lobbying government.

Overall the meeting was agreed by both the Action Group and HS2 to have been beneficial.

It was also agreed that this type of meeting would be repeated at Killamarsh and potentially around the area.

There is a lot of disruption heading our way and we believe that the general public should be aware of what could happen.

HS2 have agreed to meet up with the Park Home people to discuss their situation and plot a way forward at a separate meeting.

On a personal level I would like to thank all who attended and look forward to the next round of meetings.

Peter Howarth

Chairman, Killamarsh & Renishaw HS2 Action Group