Transport Secretary Philip Hammond un­veils new £32billion high-speed route - But HS2 ‘will cause even greater chaos’ for Camden residents say campaigners

Published: 23 December 2010
by JOSIE HINTON

CAMPAIGNERS have warned that the revamped route for the High Speed Two (HS2) rail link will be “worse rather than ­better” for people living in  Camden.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond un­veiled the much-anticipated new route for the £32billion scheme on Monday, which he said would “significantly mitigate” the impact of the line on residents living nearby.

The new route involves a shift a few streets further north as the tunnel passes through Primrose Hill, therefore missing the heart of the village and its most exclusive streets. It will also be dug 10 metres deeper underground in a bid to reduce vibrations for nearby homes.

But the new plans also include a new link between HS2 and the existing HS1 Channel Tunnel rail route, which will follow the North London Line through Camden Town. 

The addition will mean many homes in Camden previously not affected by the plans will suffer massive disruption as the 150-year-old line is virtually rebuilt to accommodate the high-speed trains. 

Frank Dobson, Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras, said: “The subterranean threat has been lessened but the overall disruption will be greater as there will be a great deal of additional surface noise through Camden from high-speed trains, not to mention while the line is being upgraded.”

The revised route includes no reprieve for Euston, where the four council-owned blocks of Ainsdale, Eskdale, Silverdale and Stalbridge House will be demolished to make way for the route. Speaking about the demolitions in parliament on Monday, Mr Hammond said the properties “could do with being replaced”. 

The revisions will also affect homes in Gloucester Avenue and Adelaide Road, where residents will find themselves directly above the tunnel.

Peter Jones, chairman of the Primrose Hill HS2 Reference Group, said: “We want this to be a consultation on the principle, not just the bells and whistles. 

“We are calling for an open consultation on the entire concept. Obviously the route is of concern to everyone living in the vicinity, but the much more fundamental question is should this be built in the first place.”