Disappointing HS2 news for Chelmsley residents

THERE has recently been disappointing news for Chelmsley Wood residents waiting to discover how they will be compensated for the impact of HS2.
Locals had been hoping that a significant improvement project would be announced to make up for the loss of part of Heath Park.
One proposal would have been to invest money in Bluebell Park, a short distance away, but at a recent meeting it was confirmed that any scheme would not be specifically incorporated into HS2’s mitigation measures.
Instead it would depend on a successful bid to the project’s Community and Environment Fund.
Coun Karl Macnaughton (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said: “That is obviously a potential avenue for some improvements.
“I am disappointed. I was very much led to believe there would be more to come ... and if that’s all that’s come I think that’s quite poor.”
Dame Caroline Spelman had said that she would like to see residents offered assistance in preparing bids.
“It is going to require a bit of extra help. Goodwill will stand you in good stead during what is inevitably a period of disruption.”
Residents have been pushing for answers for several years as to how they will be compensated for the removal of land at Heath Park.
It had originally been hoped that a replacement open space would be provided at Brickfields Farm. But this proposal was ruled out when the HS2 plans progressed through the House of Lords.
This prompted some to suggest that the improvements to Bluebell Park would be a sensible alternative.