HS2 action group to hold event in Cubbington on Saturday

The information and fund raising event, taking place at Cubbington Methodist church hall in Queen Street from 2.30pm to 4pm, has been organised by Cubbington Action Group Against HS2.

The maps will show that the mitigation measures suggested by the action group have been rejected by HS2 Ltd.

Villagers have been “shocked and dismayed” to learn about the effect the construction of HS2 would have on the area.

Chairman Peter Delow said: “Not only is it becoming clear that these impacts will be far worse than many have anticipated, but the HS2 Ltd report indicates that it will take much longer than has been previously indicated – spanning the six years 2017-2023, rather than just eighteen months as we had been given to understand. It has also become clearer how bad the likely noise and visual impact of the completed railway will be on the communities of Cubbington, Offchurch and Weston-under-Wetherley.”

Report 17 of the HS2 Draft Environmental Statement - on view at the event - indicates that Cubbington’s ancient woodland, including a celebrated 250-year-old pear tree, will be largely destroyed.

A high embankment and 11-metre high viaduct over the River Leam will also affect a peaceful spot inhabited by kingfishers and popular with walkers.

On roads around the village the construction of a spoil treatment compound, new bridges, traffic diversions and a large number of construction vehicles will cause disruption and increase dust, mud and air pollution.

Response forms for the Draft Environmental Statement consultation, which must be returned by July 11, will be available at the event.

Alternatively go online www.hs2.org.uk