Aylesbury MP Rob Butler raises alternative 'Great Central Line' HS2 route with Government - but the minister says no

In response to The Bucks Herald’s front-page call on Aylesbury’s MP to propose an alternative HS2 route to the Government our MP moved swiftly to raise the issue at Westminster.

You can read the original story here.

Rob Butler MP said: “I agree entirely with The Bucks Herald that if HS2 must go ahead, we need a route which saves Buckinghamshire from the environmental harm and noise pollution that will inevitably result.

“Before the Government gave the green light to HS2, I asked ministers to consider alternatives, such as the route proposed by the CPRE or using the old Great Central Line – as

suggested again now by The Bucks Herald"

However, the Government appear to be absolutely committed to the route for phase one - after it went through a 'lengthy' scrutiny process and was approved by a large majority in Parliament.

Rob however has suggested that the fight is far from over, and will be keeping up the pressure on the Department for Transport.

He said: “Nonetheless, this week I once more asked the Department for Transport to think again, and proposed the Great Central Line to the new dedicated minister for HS2, Andrew

Stephenson MP.

"I showed him the map in last week’s Bucks Herald and underlined how much benefit this would bring to Bucks. Unfortunately, the answer was the same – the

route for Phase 1 is fixed, and will not be changed.

“I am obviously extremely disappointed, but not surprised.

“My focus now is on getting the very best deal for residents and businesses throughout the Aylesbury constituency: making sure compensation is paid promptly, campaigning for better

mitigation and holding HS2 Ltd to account.”