Holding HS2 to account on the effects of construction

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Georgia Gould and Keir Starmer MP have jointly written to the new chairman of HS2 Ltd, Allan Cook to highlight the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour following the start of major construction works in Euston Square Gardens and St James Gardens.

Councillor Gould, Leader of the Council said: “Over 100 people attended our recent Community Conversation in Regents Park ward with many raising concerns that the closure of open spaces in the Euston area had driven anti-social behaviour onto their estates.

“No one should feel unsafe in the place they call home, so we’re raising the issues with HS2 Ltd at all levels. We hope that this letter to the new chairman will be the first step toward pooling our resources to find workable solutions together.”

The letter goes on to raise further issues stemming from day to day construction works, specifically the impacts of noise, vibration and dust affecting those who live around HS2 construction sites. This is in addition to the recent erection of hoardings, road closures and traffic diversions that have made access to areas of Regent’s Park Estate difficult.

Inviting Mr Cook on a walkaround of areas most affected by construction, the Council hopes to share evidence of these impacts, starting discussions about what can be done to lessen disruption and improve community safety.

The letter is part of a wider response to the rise in crime and anti-social in areas affected by HS2 construction. In addition to lobbying support from HS2 Ltd, the Council is increasing community safety patrols to tackle drug use and dealing, as well as working to improve estate lighting and support with rough sleepers. You can find a full list of the Council’s planned community safety actions for Regent’s Park here.

You can read the letter from the Leader of the Council and Keir Starmer MP here.