HS2 Update 27 Jan 2017

We have received the following update from the Buckinghamshire County Council HS2 team:

(Note: previous Updates can be found on the Campaigns part of this web site at

https://www.amershamsociety.org/topics/hs2/).


HS2 Hybrid Bill and Royal Assent

You will probably be aware that the Promoter has now responded to the House of Lords Report. You can read it at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/583784/government-response-to-the-select-committee_s-special-report-web-version.pdf.
The Third Reading of the Bill is scheduled for 31 January 2017. It is then expected that the Bill for Phase 1 will become law and probably receive Royal Assent in the week commencing 6 February 2017 although this is dependent on the Parliamentary timetable.

New Chief Executive for HS2 Ltd
HS2 Ltd has appointed a new Chief Executive called Mark Thurston. Mr Thurston has worked for CH2M, the company which is HS2 Ltd’s Phase 1 Engineering Delivery Partner, since 2008. You can read more at https://www.ch2m.com/newsroom/news/ch2m-led-jv-announced-as-HS2-phase-one-engineering-delivery-partner.
HS2 Ltd Newsletter
HS2 Ltd’s new engagement team recently published a community update, which includes some useful contacts. You can read it at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-one-community-update-newsletters.
HS2 Ground Investigations (GI) near Chalfont St Giles
Ground investigation surveys will be taking place in Stone Meadow near Chalfont St Giles. HS2 Ltd anticipates that the work will be concluded by January 31st, and that all work is being delivered with the relevant licenses and consents.
The ground investigation contractor, BAM Ritchies, will take measures to ensure any impact from the work is reduced as much as possible but say you may notice a small number of BAM Ritchies and Ground Engineering Limited vehicles, as the surveyors move equipment to and from the ground investigation location, and carry out the survey activity itself.
They will use the existing access to the field and in undertaking the investigation works they anticipate low levels of noise from the engine of investigatory equipment in addition to short bursts of noise that may occur as tests are performed or samples are taken using a hammering action. All work will be undertaken during the hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. No evening or weekend working is expected.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the HS2 Enquiries helpdesk on 020 7944 4908 or HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
HS2 Alerts and BCC E update
If you would like to be kept up to date will all the latest information on HS2 matters please contact Andrea Polden andreapolden@icloud.com who will add you to her mailing list. Andrea is a volunteer who shares daily information on HS2 matters.
Please also let us know if you wish to be removed from any of these updates.
Buckinghamshire County Council HS2 team:
Jackie Copcutt jcopcutt@buckscc.gov.uk Tel: 01296 383793
Laura Martin-Leech lmartin@buckscc.gov.ukTel: 01296 382163

HS2 Blueprint Mailbox HS2Blueprint@buckscc.gov.uk
BCC HS2 Webpages: http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/environment/hs2/