(Tahir Ahmed/Jon Lord (HS2))
Minutes:
Tahir Ahmed, Engagement Manager for HS2 introduced himself and his colleagues - Andy de Bell (BBV Community Engagement Manager) and Matthew Price, (LM - Engagement Advisor) and presented an update on HS2 Phase1. The current HS2 works with Lichfield include an Electricity pylon diversion from Kings Bromley to Lichfield and ecological – surveys across the area with the creation of mitigations sites. All traffic routes are discussed with Staffordshire County Council including any limited lane closures. Andy de Bell explained the work being undertaken by BBV in delivering against their staged detailed design plans. This work is due to be completed in November 2018 with main works construction commencing in Spring 2019. BBV will be conducting Ground Investigation surveys over the coming months and will engage with communities and stakeholders prior to undertaking the works.
Traffic Management is a key concern for local communities and HS2 has set up a Traffic Liaison Group with Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council, Transport providers, Highway England, emergency services and other key stakeholders to discuss how we mitigate the traffic impacts across the area.
Parish Councils were asked to inform their communities to record the license plate number of any HS2 vehicles which they feel may be obstructing or causing a hazard in the area. This can be reported to the HS2 Helpdesk on 08081434434 and will be investigated with our contractors.
An overview was presented on the Community and Environment Fund and the Business and Local Economy Funds (details provided in the presentation). Parish Councils were asked to consider projects in their area for which they could apply to these funds for. These funds will fund projects which will offset the impact of the construction of Phase One of HS2 on local communities and businesses.
A question and answer session then followed:-
Q. When can we expect to see significant construction?
A. The detailed design phase should be completed by November 2018, with construction commencing late Spring 2019. HS2 will continue to engage with communicates and stakeholders over this period.
Q. As we have to deal with two sets of Highways – Highways England and SCC we generally know in advance of road closures, will this be the same? Also in some areas there are weight restrictions on the roads. At another group they have said HS2 vehicles will take precedence, is this true? Will weight restrictions not apply?
A. HS2 have met with Parish Councils already and will continue to engage across Lichfield during construction. All traffic routes are set out in the Environmental Statements and HS2 is committed to only utilising these roads. Any additional highway requirements would have to be approved by Staffordshire County Council. We would communicate any road closures through existing channels (Highways England etc.) and notifying communities and stakeholders. We will be happy to come out and meet any Parish Council to discuss any concerns. Also there are a number of drop-in sessions including one every 2 weeks at the Council’s Frog Lane Offices if anyone wants to raise concerns/questions.
Q. A lot of concern around compounds and where are they going to be?
A. The compound locations are detailed in the Environmental Statements and HS2 are happy to discuss these at drop-in sessions or willing to come out to Parish Council meetings.
Q. Can churches apply for Community Investment?
A. Yes, churches who have project ideas which benefit the wider community can apply.
Q. As utter chaos is imminent and disaster to communities they represent, we would be interested to know who had been contacted in Handsacre around the new access road due to go there as it is by a school. The construction vehicles passing through are a great concern and we would like to know how many vehicles and how often? Why hasn’t the Parish Council (Armitage with Handsacre) received notification? It is imperative the Parish Council receive exact details as and when.
A. HS2 have engaged with the current Head Teacher at Hayes Meadow Primary School in relation to recent Ground Investigation works near the school and considered the needs of the school. We are aware of the narrow roads in the area and the limitation of the proposed access route around the school. All traffic routes and movements are detailed within the Environment Statement.
Full Presentation attached.