HS2 information day hailed ‘massive success’

The event was organised by the Stop HS2 Kenilworth Action Group to show the community what impact the Government’s HS2 High Speed Rail proposal would have on the town if it was implemented.

The group’s key messages were that there was no business case for the proposal, no money available to pay for it and, if it went ahead, there would a terrible impact on Kenilworth with no benefits in return.

In addition to the displays provided by the action group, Kenilworth Conservatives and Liberals, CPRE, UKIP and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust set up information stands.

Estate agency Knight Frank provided advice about possible compensation, and advice was also given on how to respond to the Government’s consultation document.

Joe Rukin, chairman of the action group, said: “It was an absolutely amazing event, with attendance throughout the day being more than double the 500 we were expecting.

“I have to thank all the committee members and volunteers who worked so hard to make the day a success and the public for coming and making it work so well.

“No one can be in any doubt of the strong feelings in Kenilworth over this terrible plan.

“The important thing is that people took away the information about how to respond to the consultation. The consultation itself is completely biased, so it is essential that people respond using the guidance and also express their disgust and include a demand that if the Government cannot take the sensible option and scrap HS2 that they should hold a full public inquiry.

“We also want people to write to their MP, Secretary of State Philip Hammond and the Prime Minister demanding an inquiry.”

Richard Kenyon, also of the action group, added: “Most visitors to the event said it was very helpful and others said it was a ‘wake-up’ call after they learnt the new line itself would offer no useful service to Kenilworth, and indeed would actually bring a reduced service on trains in both directions from Coventry. Not only that, but the years of construction would bring its own dust, noise and heavy traffic and severely disrupt local traffic circulation.”

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