Nothing fair about compensation

There is nothing fair about this project which affects thousands along the route, from the anxiety and fears for the future; for the chaos, mess and noise brought about by the construction; the devastation of our beautiful countryside for a train with questionable merits and for a euphemistically described “compensation” package which fails to properly and fully compensate all those who have suffered and will continue to suffer blight on their homes.

Is it fair that those who are blighted are unable to exercise control over their own destinies because they cannot sell their blighted homes? Is it fair that those who have striven all their lives and invested in their homes should have their investment plundered by a Government which does not have the funds either to finance the construction of this train or properly compensate those affected?

Is it fair that those who are affected should have their quality of life and health affected by the chaos to come and the constant worry and anxiety?

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding “NO”. Our only remedy is to continue opposing this project and record our dissatisfaction at the polling booth in the next election.

By way of an aside, what does it say about the Government’s company HS2 Ltd, that it denied a journalist from the Buckingham Advertiser from attending one of its Forums at Chalfont St Peter on the grounds that the meetings are not intended for the public and that HS2 Ltd must be informed in advance of who is to attend!

In order to prevent his admission, the door was firmly closed and the blinds on the windows drawn. Does this sound like a democratic society? - Pauline Hughes, Bascote Heath, Southam.