• IT is highly offensive to residents to have HS2 indicating that “No significant rodent activity has been reported on the Regent’s Park estate”, (HS2 construction triggers Regent’s Park estate rat surge, October 17).

For several years I have attended meetings on various aspects of HS2 and its negative approach to the whole area we live in. The massive increase of rats in the area has been raised at every meeting in very emotive ways.

At one meeting HS2 was asked what they were doing about the increase of rats. The HS2 representative present, declared they only deal with rats in HS2 areas and that the council was responsible for all the others. He was asked if the rats were tagged “Council or HS2 property” on their ears to the laughter of all present.

More than three years later the residents in and around the Regent’s Park estate have watched the rats increase beyond belief as a direct result of the work taking place in the area by HS2.

The facts show that HS2 “no significant rodent activity” statement is untrue. Can HS2 please be specific about the measures they put in place to prevent rodent activity?

I reiterate, Camden Council pest control operatives are doing their best to deal with the growing rat infestation and have employed more operatives; but because of the continuing increase in rats, they are fighting a losing battle.

Not only does HS2 seem unconcerned by the rat problem facing estate residents they now will add to the suffering by their revised plan to run between 150 and 200 trucks each day for a period of two years along Stanhope Street and Robert Street to take away the rubble from the demolished blocks of flats.

The HS2 original route was directly on to Hampstead Road from the sites but, because they are months behind schedule (Silverdale and other blocks which should have been demolished several months ago), they are deciding to use the existing roads. HS2 is just looking to find an easier and cheaper way to dispose of their rubble.

It is not acceptable that HS2 inflicts additional noise, pollution, vibration and danger on the residents in the area. Camden’s duty is to act on behalf of its residents, including three schools, and prevent the added dangers from this plan and from the out-of-control rats infestation.

PATSY DOWNEY
NW1