Stafford MP Theo Clarke has urged the rail minister to ensure compensation for residents affected by HS2 will not be delayed even though the project has been put back two years.
Mrs Clarke urgently met with Huw Merriman this week in Westminster to make it clear that negotiations with constituents and businesses affected must continue and be resolved as quickly as possible.
“It is vital that residents affected by HS2 see their negotiations and compensation claims completed so that they can move on,” Mrs Clarke said.
“I made the point to the minister these negotiations cannot be delayed due to the current situation. I told him they have gone for far too long already and construction delays cannot be used as a further excuse not to pay up.”
The MP also discussed how the delay would impact residents and businesses during construction.
“HS2 is very disruptive. It involves many thousands of truck movements, plus noise, dust and digging – some of which has already started and scarred the land.
“The two-year delay means this work could be even more drawn out and many residents may face years of disruption. I sought assurances from the minister that disruption would be managed effectively within the delay framework.”
HS2 enters the Stafford constituency from the east, cutting through several villages and dividing farms, golf course and Staffordshire County Showground.
Mrs Clarke vowed to continue to support residents who are due compensation but have not yet received it.
