Today saw a flood of documents released from HS2.

Our initial comments and links to their files can be found on our facebook discussion:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/sowhaths2/permalink/1794267610601594/

In short (so far):

• The route hasn’t changed through our area, the tunnels and viaducts are as bad as ever
• HS2 have proposed a depot next to the M1 opposite Arla (Skelton Grange / Stourton) instead of Crofton
• SOWHAT achieved a small victory with improved compensation arrangements at tunnel mouths

SOWHAT and Woodlesford residents clearly made a significant impact, this is reflected in the HS2 consultation reports, but HS2 don’t justify their position and haven’t reduced the devastation they will cause to our area. Indeed, the disruption to existing rail services is likely to be worse during the construction period with the addition of the depot.

Chris Grayling (Secretary of State for Transport) failed to deliver the promised update to the House of Commons today and instead HS2 released many documents which don’t appear to offer much by way of justification for decisions taken. Grayling has been heavily criticised and the Speaker has promised to summon him to appear tomorrow to answer “extensive questions”.