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Town could avoid worst of HS2 plans
BRACKLEY could avoid the worst effects of the proposed high speed rail link after minor revisions to the preferred HS2 route were announced on Wednesday.
But an area of rare limestone grassland classed as a site of special scientific interest along the old railway line near Radstone could be threatened.
There were fears the preferred route would cast doubt over plans for a new medical centre on the Old Sawmills site in Brackley and several housing developments. But on Wednesday evening the Department for Transport published proposals moving the line away from Brackley.
The change takes the route around the eastern and northern edges of Turweston rather than to the south, and under the A43 midway between Brackley and Whitfield then past the western edge of Radstone.
Campaigners have said it is good news for some and bad news for others but still believe the whole scheme is unjustifiable.
Campaigner Lizzy Williams is trying to raise the profile of opposition to the scheme by walking the length of the proposed route and is hoping for a warm welcome when she arrives in Greatworth this evening.
Mrs Williams, 36, from Lower Thorpe, started the walk in Staffordshire at the beginning of the month and at 10am today she will set off from the Battle of Edgcote site, which is also on the preferred route, and is due to arrive at The Inn, Greatworth, at around 6.30pm.
Despite sore feet and aching limbs, Mrs Williams will take part in a meeting of the South Northants Action Group (SNAG) immediately after her arrival.
On her walk, Mrs Williams has been shocked at the lack of contact between the government and those affected.
She said many of those affected are elderly and have no access to the internet and, without any direct contact, have been left completely in the dark. She added: “You knock at some doors and they just burst into tears when they realise I am here to try and help them.”
Mrs Williams said every step she has taken has been through beautiful countryside and added: “We are talking about historic forests, we are talking about sites of special scientific interest, natural watercourses, prime agricultural land and beautiful ancient woodland which will all be destroyed.”
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Weather for Buckingham
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North
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Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
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