Craig Tracey MP and local Conservative Councillors were delighted to welcome the HS2 Minister, Huw Merriman MP who made good on his commitment to visit North Warwickshire to look at the devastation it’s causing to the local area.
Before Christmas, Craig was the first MP to get in to see the Minister when he was appointed to his new role last year and at that time they discussed the challenges local people and the Borough council are facing on a daily basis. Craig then suggested the only way to fully understand the impact was to come and see it for himself, which he agreed.
The Minister met with the Borough Council in Water Orton first to hear the difficulties they have been having particularly around the extension of the Bromford Tunnel. Council Leader David Wright were in attendance, along with local Councillors Dave Reilly and Martin Watson.
After that, they visited several areas including Attleboro Lane in Water Orton, the Kingsbury compound, former site of Water Orton Rugby Club as well as the new site. Craig also took the opportunity to drive the Minister along of much of the line of route.
The Minister will be looking into the many issues raised and will be looking at how improvements can be made, not least in the engagement HS2 have with the public and information shared. He was formerly Chair of the Transport Select Committee so had a role in regularly scrutinising the work of HS2 and he very much sees this remit extending to his new role.
Craig was pleased that the Minister was able to see what’s going on in North Warwickshire for himself and that he’s agreed to keep in regular dialogue with me as the situation progresses.
