HS2 chief plays down fears of impact on Shropshire village
One of the key figures behind HS2 has told a Shropshire MP that "robust" assessments have been carried out into the impacts of a village.
Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd chief executive, has written to North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson playing down fears of the impact construction traffic for the high-speed rail one would have on Woore.
It comes after residents and councillors in the village near Market Drayton have formed an action group – backed by Mr Paterson – to fight the plans.
The current proposed route would see about 500 HGVs travel from the A51 and turn on to the A525 at Woore daily.
And campaigners are concerned about the impacts the extra traffic would have on their village.
But in his letter, Mr Thurston said: "I wish to assure you that the proposed phase 2a scheme, and the impacts on Woore, has been the subject of a robust environmental impact assessment and equality impact assessment.
"Along with undertaking traffic surveys to determine the potential impact of the construction traffic on road users, proposed construction routes have been assessed to identify potential effects to air quality, noise and vibration from vehicles during the construction period.
"No adverse affects are predicted for air quality during construction. Noise and vibration levels from construction traffic routes have also not been predicted to result in an adverse effect on properties or residents.
"I recognise that the proposals for HS2 construction traffic to travel through Woore has led to community concerns and we will therefore continue to engage with the local community as the scheme progresses.
"The safety of local residents will be a priority consideration in the detailed designs of the modification works."
Mr Thurston added those directly affected by HS2 will also have the opportunity to submit a petition against the High Speed Rail West Midlands to Crewe Bill to Parliament in due course.
Residents and councillors in Woore said there are alternatives which would stop the need to route construction traffic through the parish – including the creation of a continuous tunnel from Whitmore Heath to beyond Madeley.
Mr Paterson has also pressed transport secretary Chris Grayling on creating the tunnel extension.
Following a meeting with Mr Grayling last week, Mr Paterson said: "We held discussions about the tunnel and the need to get it done to reduce the need for materials to go through Woore.
"I am trying to get a meeting set up to see how it will work and also have a talk with HS2.
"Anything to do with HS2 is expensive but to stop the massive inconvenience and danger of Woore becoming a passage for construction traffic is worth campaigning about."
The new high-speed rail network will run from London to Birmingham and to Manchester and Leeds.
Ministers say it will improve the transport network and boost the economy, but there has been controversy about the exact route of the line and its effect on those living near it.
The initial plan is for a new railway line between London and the West Midlands carrying 400m-long trains with as many as 1,100 seats per train.
