HS2 UPDATE -Jan 2012

CPRE Buckinghamshire is disappointed that the government has decided to proceed with its scheme to build a completely new high speed railway from London to Birmingham and beyond. We recognise that some affected residents may obtain relief from new mitigation measures, but the scheme remains substantially that proposed by the Labour government in March 2010.

Click this link for further details

HS2 UPDATE -Nov 2011

We are a CPRE Branch greatly affected by HS2 on its present track and we continue to monitor the topic in the time elapsed between the end of the Consultation last July and the Secretary of State’s decision due in December.
Events have been accompanied by much comment by newspapers, local authorities, campaign groups and MPs. Even titles, headlines and announcements used have been controversial.

Key announcements:

1- Justine Greening has become Secretary of State in place of Philip Hammond and made a statement on HS2 in the House of Commons soon after her appointment– Click this LINK for more details.

2-Maria Eagle, Shadow Transport Secretary made a speech on 31st October including a new route through Bucks – Click this LINK for more details.

3-The Transport Select Committee of MPs reported on 8th November. To see the recommendations and the body of the report click this LINK.

4-The Right Lines Charter Group held a reception in Parliament on 18th October to promote the principles of the Charter and environmental issues raised by high-speed rail. On 18th November it issued a report entitled “Next Steps for the new Secretary of State”-Click this LINK for further details.

Buckinghamshire Branch has, through our seven MPs, called on the Transport Secretary for the details of the Consultation report to be published as well as the Decision. There has so far been no response, but we persist.

Our aim continues to be to recognise the contribution that high speed rail might make as part of a national transport network, but ensure that all possible is done to protect the countryside, towns and villages of Bucks and Milton Keynes.

High Speed Rail- Background

The government has announced details of the consultation process for its strategy for High Speed Rail and its proposal for the initial high speed rail line from London to the West Midlands, the HS2 project. The announcement can be found on this website.

CPRE Bucks is opposed to the plans for a new totally, segregated, ultra high speed rail line from London to Birmingham. We believe that the government case for HS2 does not achieve its stated objectives in a sustainable way. continue

A Charter for High Speed Rail

CPRE took the leading role in setting up a powerful alliance of respected organisations that has drawn up a Charter to hold the Government to account on its approach to high speed rail. The Right Lines Charter sets out four core principles "for doing High Speed Rail well". Click this link for more info.

Suggested Responses to the High Speed Rail Consultation

CPRE Bucks have produced a list of responses to the 7 questions raised in the Consultation. Click this LINK for further details.

CPRE Bucks Response to the High Speed Rail Consultation dated 20th July 2011

Click this LINK for further details.

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A Vision For The Countryside 2026

The Campaign to Protect Rural England sets out an inspiring and optimistic vision for the future of the English countryside, our greatest national asset. 2026 – A Vision for the Countryside describes the countryside CPRE wants to see in 2026, the charity's centenary year.

Tranquillity

Tranquillity is important for everyone – for our hearts, minds and bodies. We all need to ‘get away from it all’ every now and then. Tranquil areas provide a means of doing this in a crowded, heavily built-up country. Being largely natural and free from intrusive manmade noise and structures, tranquil areas in the countryside allow us to escape the noise and stress of cities, towns and suburbs, to be inspired and to get refreshed.