Ealing Council has called on HS2 to “commit to a meaningful legacy for the borough” and the need for the high speed rail network to “better address the significant disruption faced by its residents and businesses during the construction period”.
The move follows ongoing work across parts of Ealing where HS2 is being built and connected to including Old Oak, Park Royal and Greenford. Residents and businesses have raised concerns over the work being done and the disruption it has caused in their local neighbourhoods including noise, debris and roads being closed.
In early August 2024, a letter from the council to HS2 signed by Councillor Peter Mason, leader of the council along Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action and Councillor Kamaljit Kaur Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, highlighted its concerns.
In the letter, the council said: “We are both acutely aware that Ealing’s residents, businesses, and communities are currently experiencing significant disruption due to the major construction works. This is compounded by the lack of sufficient mitigation measures or a long-term plan for the benefits HS2 will provide in the future. Moreover, the council believes that the commitments and contributions offered and secured from HS2 to date do not represent an impactful legacy for Ealing. We need to work together to address this.
Councillor Mason said: “We are dedicated to ensuring that HS2 brings a lasting positive impact to Ealing by not only further enhancing our already outstanding transport options, but also bringing well, paid good jobs and apprenticeships into the borough. However, we are acutely aware that the HS2 works are causing significant disruption to their daily lives of some residents and businesses.”
Councillor Mason added: “Our priority is to minimise these impacts and ensure that the long-term benefits of the project, such as creating good jobs and supporting local businesses, create a long-lasting positive legacy for the borough.”
Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action said: “HS2 will bring incredible national travel options to the borough but we will need improvements to the transport infrastructure around the new station so that people can get to and from it easily on foot, wheelchair, bike or public transport.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an HS2 spokesperson said: “Leaving a positive legacy in the areas where we are building the railway is fundamental to our values and we are committed to working with Ealing Council to ensure that the current and long-term benefits of HS2 are maximised.”
The spokesperson added: “Old Oak Common station will play a key role in the regeneration of Old Oak and Park Royal, with forecasts showing the creation of almost 20,000 new homes and over 35,000 jobs.”
