High Speed Rail 2

Here is a copy of the letter I have just written to the High Speed rail consultation;

Exceptional Hardship Scheme Consultation,
High Speed 2 Limited,
55 Victoria Street,
London SW1H 0EH

Giada Covallero,
Consultation Co-ordinator,
Department for Transport,
Zone 2/25 Great Minster House,
76 Marsham Street,
London SW1P 4DR
19th May 2010
Dear Sir or Madam,

Response to Consultation on the Exceptional Hardship Scheme for HS2

I am one of the councillors representing Camden Town with Primrose hill. The “preferred route” of the proposed HS2 line passes through our ward. I understand that you have already received a letter from “the Primrose Hill HS2 Reference Group”. This is a group of concerned residents who have formed an entirely non-political community group to organise a response to the consultation.

Their response is an excellent summary of the feelings of many in Primrose Hill. I would strongly recommend that you take careful notice of their letter and provide a full response to it.

I would echo some of the points they make. Particularly, that, although the EHS is a non-statutory scheme which the Government is not obliged by statute to provide the EHS should still be run properly and be fairly implemented.

Residents have several legitimate concerns about the way in which the process has been managed so far. We are particularly concerned that;

• We were not notified at all about the adoption of the “preferred” route through Primrose Hill, nor about the EHS itself.
• Certain properties are unreasonably excluded from compensation under the proposed rules. Specifically, properties above tunnelled sections and owners of businesses who rent their business premises should be eligible for compensation.
Yours sincerely

Cllr Thomas Neumark