To think that this is dreadful - HS2 related

[Freefalling123]

Ive just read this on a local Facebook page. How can this be allowed?

mobile.twitter.com/thejamesbeckett/status/1096350298094923777?s=09

I’m not directly affected by the line personally, although I live a few miles from this location and know many who are affected - but I do care about our countryside and environment.

Surely this must be scrapped now?

What’s worse is that it probably will be scrapped (fingers crossed) but they’ll have destroyed loads of habitats in the meantime

Why couldn't they do it in December?
Of course, it's HS2, the project that doesn't know its arse from its elbow

Exactly, and definitely fingers crossed.

Hopefully not before it’s too late.

There’s rare bats very close to this location too, which are supposedly protected.

More misinformation or more importantly misunderstood information. As a contractor engaged on HS2 I can categorically assure you that every ecological protocol is being followed at a phenomenal cost. When the actual works take place You will see that only ecologically approved clearance will take place. There is so much speculation on social media which is factually incorrect it amazes me. No wonder people are up in arms. The bulk of social media outrage has no basis in fact.

We live 300 metres from the line, in the Chilterns, and I have campaigned tirelessly for it to be scrapped, including speaking in both the House of Commons and House of Lords. It's very sad that they're ploughing ahead regardless, despite all the reasons why it'll be a disaster (which I won't bore you with!). It's getting more negative press in recent days, we can always hope...

The only phenomenal cost is the ridiculous cost of building a railway that no one wants, many people won’t even be able to use, and people having to leave their homes, or not being able to sell.

I live half way between London and Brum - so it’s of no use to me and many millions of others.

So with ecologically approved clearance wildlife won’t die?

If there are bats at risk, contact the Bat Conservation Trust - I'm pretty sure they would be interested.

The bats thing has been talked about since the line was first announced Me. The government just doesn’t care! Whichever government has been in power......from memory this was a labour initiative originally

There is no way in the world that hs2 would clear vegetation without the proper precautionary checks. It's too risky for a high profile project. Also, it's not an offence to cut vegetation in the nesting bird season, only to disturb or destroy nests. If there are no nests there is no problem.

Surely this must be scrapped now?

Why do you this will be the thing that will cause it to be cancelled? They’re clearing some vegetation, something farmers up and down the country do all the time!

I am not getting drawn in to an argument of the rights or wrongs. Just stating facts. As every other construction job the law governing the protection of wildlife has to be followed.

I agree with oakthorn.

Isn’t all farming in effect involve the clearance of wildlife? Even organic eco-friendly farming.... Should we ban it all!

Absolutely what oakthorn has said. Legislation is in place and contractors would not risk prosecution by flouting the law.

HS2 will directly affect me as it will be going through my town. Absolutely dreading it. There will be chaos. I haven't spoken to anyone who is happy about the idea.

This is one of those things where good kind people bump up against the hard reality of our housing and infrastructure needs.

We need to connect the UK with HS2 and many more HS2s. Bats are important but communities in the North and the homeless in the South East need hugely improved infrastructure. We MUST prioritise providing people with homes and roads.

Not just some lucky people living in their own homes in Oxfordshire.

Sorry. I know that is disappointing. But it is caring about nesting birds more than nesting people that means so many couples put off having children. By connecting people to affordable parts of the country we can bring some relief.

I’m not sure what you’re hoping to achieve by this kind of histrionics.

So, I don’t like Donald Trump. I think he’s the worst president in living memory, probably longer....Your post would be a bit like me saying “I heard Trump farted in public the other day. Surely he must now be impeached!”

I don’t think it should be scrapped just because of vegetation or bats.

But for all the arguments against it - costs are spiralling and have been since the beginning.

As someone who travels all over the UK for work, and usually by train, I totally agree that investment in infrastructure in the north is necessary.

It’s not about people who own their homes in Oxfordshire (I’m not even sure it crosses Oxfordshire anywhere).

Oh and by the way I lost any respect for protesters when a hs2 contractor was physically attacked and ended up in hospital whilst he was filling up his vehicle in a a garage 😮

The problem with HS2 is the massive cost without seeing any actual benefit. I live in Yorkshire, can get to london in 2 hrs and 20 minutes, the main issue is if I do not book in advance it costs hundreds. I am currentry in central Europe (flight less than half the cowt of a train to london). I have family here and travel in Europe often. Trains are cheap and run on time. I am getting a 3 hour train journey on weds, £10. No stupid price structures.

@oakthorn Could you respond to that effect to the Twitter thread? There’s so much misinformation out there it’s ridiculous.

The problem with HS2 is the massive cost without seeing any actual benefit.

That’s (one of) the main arguments against HS2.... not whether some vegetation is being cut back!

@CantWinLotteryIfDontBuyTicket because of my involvement in the contract I am prohibited from responding to the social media hysteria. I just wish they would get the facts straight. One Facebook post stated HS2 were going in to destroy ancient woodland. Errr no putting a gate in love.

People ALWAYS say that about infrastructure projects. Complain about the old train lines, complain about the new.

I am literally fucking sick of the Labrador walking classes who do not understand how critical it is that we BUILD. New roads, new rail lines, new houses. Coming to a green belt near you (I hope).

It is not illegal to clear vegetation during nesting season. They will have to make sure that a trained specialist has undertaken a nesting birds survey of any and all veg to be cut back. Any that are found will be left alone and untouched.

I used to arrange this stuff for network rail.