Rotherham MPs have slammed HS2 bosses for the location of the Bramley consultation event – because it’s in Thurcroft.
The Government has recently announced a consultation until March on the new Phase 2b route which, it is proposed, will pass through Bramley, Ravenfield and the Dearne.
A series of information events have been planned for January and February, including – on Friday 9 February – the session for Bramley which will be held at the Best Western Consort Hotel in Thurcroft. The events will be attended by representatives of HS2 and the Department for Transport.
MPs John Healey and Kevin Barron have written to HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins, demanding a location in Bramley. They have suggested the event should take place at the Bill Chafer youth centre on Flash Lane.
John said: “Holding a consultation event for Bramley in Thurcroft – three miles away – is totally unacceptable.
“This adds to the impression that HS2 will run roughshod over people’s real concerns about what will happen to the villages they live in and care deeply about.”
Kevin said: “It shows HS2’s lack of knowledge and up-to-date information about the local area. This is why we asked HS2 to work with our local councils to examine the detail of the proposed route.”
The MPs tell the HS2 chairman in their letter:
“It is vital that residents feel they have had the chance to ask questions and have their say.
“The consultation events must be local and must be easily accessible, including for people who don’t drive or have mobility problems.”
The MPs oppose the change of HS2 route away from Meadowhall, and have raised their objections in letters and meetings with Sir David Higgins and the Transport Secretary.
They are concerned that the route will run right through South Yorkshire but not stop or bring any of the potential benefits to the area.