Aylesbury MP Rob Butler today condemned the numerous instances of poor behaviour by HS2 and its contractors during a parliamentary debate secured by Buckingham MP Greg Smith. The debate on the impact of large infrastructure projects on local communities saw the MP outline what he describes as “chaos” and “abject misery” caused by HS2 Ltd across his constituency. Rob Butler drew particular attention to issues in Fairford Leys
Speaking in the House of Commons, Rob said:
“My constituents in Fairford Leys often describe trying to exit their estate as a nightmare, due to the traffic management systems in place on the A418 Oxford Road. Indeed, not long after my election, I was furious to discover that HS2 Ltd closed part of their road and caused complete gridlock. HS2 Ltd told us it had “miscalculated” traffic flows.
He continued:
“Although traffic is a major concern, Fairford Leys is a perfect microcosm of what dealing with HS2 Ltd can be like on the ground. The company has refused to reopen a popular walking path or provide a crossing. This has caused great upset and annoyance. HS2 Ltd’s decision to fence off areas guarding them with surveillance cameras has led to residents writing to me describing feeling besieged by this behemoth that none of them wanted. Of course, I take these concerns up with HS2 Ltd directly, but they shouldn’t be happening in the first place.”
After the debate, Rob said:
“Unfortunately, I am still receiving steady complaints about HS2 Ltd and its contractor’s behaviour. Residents from Fairford Leys to Wendover are fed up with this poor behaviour and intransigence. All we as a community want HS2 to live up to their promise of being a good neighbour rather than the neighbour from hell.”
