Representatives from Cubbington Action Group against HS2 attended the September meeting of the Offchurch and Cubbington Community Forum held at Offchurch Village Hall, meeting officials from HS2 Ltd. HS2 Ltd advised that Green Belt land in the area around the junction of Coventry Road and Leicester Lane (A445) in Cubbington has been selected as a candidate site for a construction compound for the proposed High Speed Two (HS2) railway. HS2 Ltd was unable to state how large the compound would be. If Parliament gives the go-ahead to HS2, construction work may start in 2017, but it’s not known when the Cubbington compound would used. The route from London to the West Midlands is expected to be in service by 2026.
Chairman of the Cubbington Action Group against HS2, Peter Delow, said:
“Whilst we appreciate that such facilities will be required should the construction of HS2 go-ahead, it’s something of a bombshell to learn that Cubbington has been selected for this dubious honour. The people living on this stretch of Leicester Lane will be badly affected by the construction and operation of the railway itself, so the added impacts of the construction compound will just add to the misery. I think we can expect the impacts of construction to include noise, dust, night disturbance (possibly) and increased heavy goods traffic on the A445.
We can anticipate that the compound site will be temporary, only functioning during HS2 construction, and expect that the land will be restored to its previous condition when the compound is no longer required. On top of the potential impacts of HS2 on Cubbington that we were already aware of, including the destruction of ancient woodland in South Cubbington Wood, this latest revelation just reinforces our determination to fight this unwanted and unaffordable white elephant.”
Cubbington Action Group Against HS2 continues to raise essential funds to finance local activities and the national campaign challenging HS2 plans.
Beetle Drive event
The next event is a BEETLE DRIVE in Cubbington Village Hall, Broadway, on Saturday 20 October, 2-4.30pm. Come and join this family fun event for all ages. Tickets cost £2 (Children £1) including refreshments. Help to protect Cubbington’s precious green environment by supporting the campaign. Notelets showing local scenes and footpaths around South Cubbington Wood and the beautiful Leam valley will be on sale at the Beetle Drive and are also available at Lifestyle Express store, Queen Street, Cubbington.
