HS2 & councils urged to talk more by Residents Commissioner

It's after Bucks Council blocked road closures

Author: Dan GoodingPublished 8th Jun 2021

HS2 have been told off by the Residents Commissioner - the person trying to make sure those affected by construction are happy.

After Buckinghamshire Council banned them from closing the A413 on two weekends, the Commissioner says communication wasn't good enough and there should be more collaboration.

Council Leader Martin Tett told us they are sticking up for residents:

"So holding HS2 and East West Rail to account is our job on behalf of the people who elect us.

"We take that very very seriously, so support from them is really important to know we are doing the right thing."

Martin Tett

The Commissioner says that HS2 Ltd and its contractors are obliged by the Code of Construction Practice to issue notices of trunk road closures at least 14 days before the event is due to take place.

They add that communities both want and need as much notice as possible of any significant road impacts in their areas.

The Commissioner went on to say:

"There needs to be greater collaboration between HS2 Ltd, its contractors, and the local authorities in each area when preparing and managing applications for consents which will impact major trunk roads, to avoid late changes to notifications."

The A413 at Little Missenden is now due to be closed between the Keepers Lane junction to just past Pipers Wood Lane from 9pm on Friday 18 June until 5am on Monday 21 June.

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