Here is the latest full newsletter sent by ‘Hillingdon Against HS2’ on 13th March 2017.

Dear Supporters,

It has been sometime since our last news update, largely because the last few months have been such frustrating times. We are sure by now you are aware that HS2 has received Royal Assent in parliament and the project has been given the final approval to go ahead.

Hillingdon Against HS2 have worked hard over the last 6 years, to campaign on your behalf against HS2 at every opportunity. We have engaged in every official parliamentary process, all consultations,meetings,court cases and even petitioned The House of Commons and The House of Lords. We have lobbied MPs and prominent politicians, held countless public meetings,organised protests, marches and publicity stunts, gaining much media coverage along the way.

You can listen to our reaction to the news of Royal Assent on BBC Radio London HERE

However all of our efforts have not been in vain, whilst we may not have achieved our goal of stopping HS2, Hillingdon Against HS2 have secured major changes to the project, to help our local area and those affected by the construction of the line.

Since the original plans were released back in 2011, Hillingdon Against HS2 have helped secure tunnelling of the line through Ruislip and subsequently Northolt, Greenford and Perivale. We instigated the scrapping of the ‘Heathrow Spur’ part of the route, saving a whole swathe of our borough, not to mention millions of pounds being wasted. We also helped win changes to the compensation boundaries which has allowed residents in Ickenham and Harefield to be included in compensation schemes.

Hillingdon Against HS2 are very proud of these significant changes to the project, much of which we achieved with the help of Hillingdon Council and we are grateful for their ongoing support of our action group and their opposition to HS2.

So what of the future?  
We are continuing to work with Stop HS2 and HS2 Action Alliance, who are dedicated to exploiting every and any future opportunity to stop HS2.
Just because Parliament has given HS2 the go ahead, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will definitely happen.
No business Case, No Environmental Case and No Money To Pay For It. This has always been the campaign strap line and it is even more true today than ever.
With the NHS in crisis, ongoing public sector cuts, concerns over Brexit and the British economy, we still hold out hope that common sense will prevail,somewhere in government…

For now, it is clear that Hillingdon Against HS2 will be kept busy on everyone’s behalf but we will have a slightly different focus. With preliminary ground investigation works already starting and the threat of construction creeping nearer, we will be monitoring local activities and developments and aiming to keep HS2Ltd on their toes.
We will continue to work with Hillingdon Council and liaise with the appropriate bodies to respond where and when we can.

Currently there are two important issues we need to bring to your attention:

SETTLEMENT DEEDS
If you live or have property within 30 meters of the the HS2 tunnel on plan, then your property will have been ‘sub surface safeguarded’ and you may be concerned about possible damage to your property during construction of the tunnels, or the running of the railway line. Not all properties will qualify for ‘before and after surveys’ but if you have not already, you should make sure you
pre-register your interest in a ‘Settlement Deed’ .
The eligibility criteria for benefitting from a settlement deed is complicated but this document may help HERE
At this stage we would urge you to make sure you register your property.
Send an email to  HS2settlementdeeds@hs2.org.uk
Or
Write to “HS2 Phase One Settlement Deed pre registration”
HS2 Ltd, One Canada Square,London, E145AB

Simply include your full name and the address you wish to register, with your full contact details for future communication.
For more information see our website page HERE 

COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS FUNDS
There will be many hundreds or us that will be affected by HS2 locally, who don’t qualify for any compensation for the disruption that 7-10 years of construction will cause.
Whilst we fought hard for as much mitigation as possible ( and we are continuing to put pressure on HS2Ltd to do more) many parts of our communities will still suffer disruption or financial losses.
To help offset this, HS2Ltd have set aside £40 Million, in 2 different national funds which are available to apply for now.
This is an opportunity for community groups, schools ,charities, sports clubs,
local businesses,resident associations, etc. to put in bids for a share of these funds.
This is a rare opportunity to find some benefit from HS2 and it shouldn’t be passed up!
If you have a connection to any group or business who you think might be eligible, PLEASE encourage them to apply and share this information on.
There is more information and detail to help you HERE

Keep in touch.
Please do keep in touch regularly, we post daily updates,articles and photos on our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/360986966901/
More news and photos on our website
https://ruislip-against-hs2.co.uk/
Or follow us on Twitter
@HillingdonAHS2    @Mrs_angryjones 

If you have any concerns or complaints about any aspect of HS2 work there are some important contacts listed below. If you do have a need to contact HS2Ltd – and particularly if you have a complaint – please remember to copy in your MP ( and us!)

HS2Ltd
Hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk  or their 24hour helpdesk 0207 944 4908 ( this is not a free number)

HS2 Resident’s Commissioner 
residentscommissioner@hs2.org.uk

HS2 Construction Commissioner
complaints@hs2-cc.org.uk

MPs
boris.johnson.mp@parliament.uk
nick.hurd.mp@parliament.uk

Once again,many thanks for your continued support and interest.
Hillingdon Against HS2