A Masterclass in estimating . . . . and a master Luddite

Original cost estimate for Olympics £3.3b, recently revised to £12b. Comforting to know that such forecasting competence exists and that the people charged with giving us the information that we need are fully skilled in supporting inaccurate estimates.

What cost HS2?

Interesting to see that HS2 - the first bit - is estimated to cost the equivalent of one Millennium dome every 4 kilometres.

The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport, is keen to tell us that we (those against HS2) are nimbys and Luddites. We have already seen in his own record that he is not above a bit of nimbyism to promote his interests and it is now interesting to consider whether he is aware of the changing word . . . rail seems a good way of moving freight and encouraging tourists around the country - HOWEVER, business needs are increasingly dependent on good broadband connection as the need to travel is lessened by the ability to meet effectively on line; maybe those who support High Speed rail as a business need should consider whether they are, in effect, Luddites. Mr Hammond, the country needs high speed and reliable broadband, NOT High Speed trains.

New HS2 route - comfort to some, misery to others

The new proposed HS2 route announced on 20th December 2010 brings a little comfort to some and misery and blight to others. The ONLY solution is to STOP HS2; you can start by adding your name to the on-line petition and then you can spend a little time getting all your friends and acquaintances to do the same - and remember to suggest to each one that they do the same. Surely you can get 20 people that you know to do that? Surely they can get a similar number to do the same. If you are one of the people who is likely (and remember, the new route is subject to public consultation, so could change again) to benefit from the announced changes, remember that you will still be paying for it and remember also that some of your friends and acquaintances may well be likely to suffer because of the changes beneficial to you. Do what you can and do it soon.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-hs2/sign.html

COVENTRY CITY REJECT HS2

Unanimous rejection of HS2 by Coventry City  CLICK HERE and the government think they can ignore all this and carry on as they choose? We are a democracy and if enough of us say "STOP HS2" then, whether they like it or not, they have to listen. Have you added your name to the on-line petition yet?  You have, good . . have you asked all your friends to do the same? We cannot just sit back, we have to make it NOT happen.  http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-hs2/sign.html 

Staffordshire County Council Whittington Meeting. HS2

Staffordhire County Council held a meeting to discuss HS2. It was held in Whittington on 19th November. To read a report on that successful meeting, please click on the link
http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/news/press/hundredsattendhighprofilehs2meeting.htm

Staffordshire County Council Meeting in Whittington. HS2

Staffordshire County Council are organising a public meeting in the Village Hall at Whittington from 19.00 to 22.00 on FRIDAY 19th of November. If you live near Whittington we urge YOU to attend to show SCC what we feel about HS2 - bring your friends too! You don't have to live in Whittington to attend the meeting, But spaces are limited so you should book you place by emailing highspeedrail@staffordshire.gov.uk
 APPARENTLY ALL PLACES HAVE NOW BEEN TAKEN SO YOU SHOULD NOT TURN UP WITHOUT CHECKING FIRST
SCC also promise that they will hold other meetings over the coming months. See the SCC press release.

Protected species on HS2 route

Has the protection of protected species such as (but not limited to) bats, badgers and newts been fully considered by HS2 in the development of the proposed routes? Maybe you know the answer and would like to add your information on this blog.  Thank you

Why do they keep so quiet?

Why is it that the government (and previous) have said so little about HS2 High Speed trains? What have they got to hide? How did you find out about it? Now you know, have you taken the time to tell all your friends about it?