Get answers to your HS2 questions

THREE events are to be held in the next few weeks to answer questions over a proposed high speed rail line through the district with questions already raised over one of the chosen venues.

As the new year arrives, the fight against the HS2 line which could cut through Aston, Bramley, Mexborough and the Dearne Valley, is set to pick up momentum.

The consultation period for the route ends on March 9 and protesters either want the route axed entirely or to go through Meadowhall instead.

HS2 was criticised this week for organising an event to discuss the route in Thurcroft - three miles from Bramley.

There is an HS2 information event earmarked for Bramley residents on February 9 at the Best Western Consort Hotel on Brampton Road in Thurcroft, from noon to 8pm.

MPs criticised HS2 over the venue, saying it was “unacceptable”.

John Healey and Kevin Barron said they had written to HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins, demanding a location in Bramley and suggesting the event should take place at the Bill Chafer youth centre on Flash Lane.

Mr Healey said: “Holding a consultation event for Bramley in Thurcroft - three miles away - is totally unacceptable.

“This adds to the impression that HS2 will run roughshod over people’s real concerns about what will happen to the villages they live in and care deeply about.”

Mr Barron said: “It shows HS2’s lack of knowledge and up-to-date information about the local area.

“This is why we asked HS2 to work with our local councils to examine the detail of the proposed route.”

The MPs said in their letter that the consultation events “must be local and must be easily accessible, including for people who don’t drive and those who have mobility problems”.

Two HS2 events are also due to take place in Mexborough.

Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband, who has been at the forefront of the campaign against the HS2 route cutting through Mexborough and the Dearne Valley, is to hold a surgery on January 20 at Mexborough Resource Centre on Dolcliffe Road from 5pm to 7.30pm.

He has pledged that staff from HS2 will be available to answer any specific queries or concerns that constituents have.

Appointments can be made by emailing your full address to [email protected] or telephoning 01302 875462.

HS2 has also organised an information event in the town on February 10 at the Best Western Hotel on Pastures Road, Mexborough, from noon until 8pm.