People are saying ‘no’ to HS2 ground surveys

Letters have gone out to people living in the Warwick and Stratford district and people all along the line offering payments to those who sign a detailed ‘access licence for ground investigation survey purposes’.

One of those affected by HS2 who lives near Southam has been asked if the company can put a drilling rig - of the same height as his house - in his driveway in order to bore down to 55 meters to check the soil structure and ground water levels.

The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he was going to refuse the request that since the announcement of HS2 his health has declined and he does not think he will be able to sell his house due to its close proximity to the line.

He said: “I’ve had the letter but I haven’t replied yet. I’m waiting for them to call me so I can give them both barrels.

I feel as if it is harassment. When I got the letter I felt pains which I don’t normally have even though it has had an effect on my condition already.

“I just find the whole thing so annoying.”

Peter Delow, of the Cubbingtonn Action Group Against HS2 said people would be well within their rights to refuse HS2 access to their property until the hybrid bill gets royal assent.

This is not likely to happen until the end of 2016 at the earliest according to Mr Delow.

He added: “The surveys would be somewhat intrusive.

“HS2 are still handling a lot of petitions from the Chilterns and they have to do London as well. But they are still saying they want to start digging in 2017.

“It is not to anyone’s advantage to let them onto their property in the meantime and my advice would be to refuse the requests but that is an individual’s choice.

The action group’s AGM was on Thursday night with a report to follow next week.