HS2 Ltd will hear the views of campaigners against the controversial rail scheme in a new series of community forums.
HS2 Ltd will hear the views of campaigners against the controversial rail scheme in a new series of community forums.
The government owned firm says the forums provide an opportunity for people to raise local concerns, report back on the project and look into ways of minimising environmental impacts.
The forums will also explore potential community benefits.
Attendance is by invitation and the community decides who will attend the forums, not HS2 Ltd.
There are usually around 15–20 people attending from councils, residents associations, special interest groups and environment bodies.
Alison Munro, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, said: “The community forums are the best way for local representatives to discuss and seek clarification around local issues and concerns regarding HS2.
“We are currently working on the next stage of design and environmental assessment of the line and local input through these forums is absolutely vital, as well as very welcome for this stage of the project.
“We are fully on track to deliver the designs and documents required for a hybrid bill which is planned to start its process through Parliament at the end of 2013.”
The forums are not decision making bodies but they can make recommendations which HS2 Ltd says it will explore, assess and respond to.
Forums will be taking place at Wendover Library on Monday, Quainton CofE School on July 4 and The Mandeville School on July 5.
Interested parties can have their views made known during the forums by contacting their local councillor, residents association, local action group or by emailing community.forums@hs2.gsi.gov.uk