Buckingham MP leads Commons debate on impact of HS2 and East West Rail in Bucks

Buckingham MP Greg Smith led a House of Commons Adjournment debate on Friday, March 3, on the impact that major infrastructure projects like HS2 and East West Rail have had on communities across Bucks.

Mr Smith said: “It’s absolutely appalling that both HS2 and EWR in particular continue to act with contempt whilst we all suffer each and every day in the face of constant construction noise and vibration, ruined roads, rogue contractors, and the overall destruction of the countryside.”

“From Ellesborough to Edgcott and Kimble to the Claydons, the path of destruction these projects are wreaking risks permanently upending the rural economy in Buckinghamshire by bankrupting local businesses and making each day a living nightmare for residents.”

“I remain committed to holding these projects, including senior management and their awful contractors, to account and will continue working with Buckinghamshire Council which has been so steadfast in pushing back against the projects’ unacceptable behaviour.

"I welcome the Minister’s commitment to bring those responsible for each project together so that I, my colleague and constituency neighbour Rob Butler MP and the council can demonstrate just how bad the impact is and how things must urgently change.”

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: “We are working hard to reduce disruption during the construction and Buckinghamshire is already benefiting from more than £3.6 million in community funding.

"We have reduced the number of lorries on local roads by delivering material by rail and the use of temporary internal access roads.

"Once complete, HS2 will transform journeys across the UK, providing zero carbon transport from day one, while freeing up space on the existing rail network for more freight and local services.”

A spokesperson for the East West Railway Company said: “The first stage of East West Rail is set to open from 2025 bringing improved transport connections and new opportunities to local communities.

“Throughout the construction work we’ve focused on minimising local disruption as much as possible. We’ve worked closely with Buckinghamshire Council and have agreed the necessary road repairs.

“We are committed to spending millions of pounds, and work is already underway to ensure the areas affected by our work are properly restored.”