‘Sign the petitions against HS2’

• I FEEL speechless and aghast at the hypocrisy, having read that Camden Council is seeking views on the cumulative impact of construction projects and is seeking the public’s views on how to better manage demolitions and construction works!

Furthermore, the council has apparently written to community groups, to reassure them that, “Camden considers protecting residents from the impacts of construction activity a priority”. Well, you could have fooled me!

And just try telling that to all the residents in Euston, Somers Town, Hampstead Road, The Regent’s Park Estate, etc, (as regularly documented in the pages of the New Journal).

And there is the human misery caused by thousands of private building projects in Camden being given the ok, in favour of greedy developers, against the wishes of local people.

For example, most recently, a 24-storey block in Purchese Street, replacing a children’s playground and public park. A luxury block of flats in Centric Close, destroying useful workshops and denying residents light and privacy.

Construction works carried out while children are on the premises at Parliament Hill and William Ellis schools. And redevelopment work being carried out at the Bull and Last pub, in Highgate Road.

All of whose impact is causing ill health,and nuisance to Camden citizens, and most importantly, were unfairly given priority against local opposition, and all approved by the council itself.

As the residents of Camden obviously can’t rely on the council to protect them, it would be sensible to try to protect themselves from the impact of HS2 (the other environmentally catastrophic demolition and construction nightmare) that’s hitting them right now, by signing the petitions below; especially at this crucial time, when decisions are being made as to whether HS2 should be cancelled.

I implore you, please make your voices heard and sign in your droves:

1. With “notice to proceed” delayed again, halt all HS2 enabling works immediately. (Sign before the October 29).

2. HS2 – Take Action Now – The Woodland Trust.

Oh, and please come to Chris Packham’s rally against the destruction of nature being caused by HS2, on September 28 at Euston station. Meet at 1pm for 2pm start.

MIMI ROMILLY
Address supplied