The Buckinghamshire Debate on HS2 Rail

It is important that your views on the potential of High Speed Rail in Buckinghamshire are heard. . This is your chance to question the assembled experts – both for and against – and collectively reach a decision. This event is open to both Chamber members and the Buckinghamshire business community and their colleagues.

Speaker Panel:

• Neil Gibson, Strategic Director (Communities & Built Environment) Buckinghamshire County Council
• Andrew Grant, Chief Executive Officer, Aylesbury Vale District Council
• Ian Jordan, Project Sponsor, HS2
• Barry Deller, Interim Director, Berkshire Economic Strategy Board
• Jerry Marshall, Chair, AGAHST Federation (Action Groups Against High Speed Two)
• Martin Tett, Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment, Buckinghamshire County Council
• Nick Rose, Leader, Chiltern District Council
• David Dinsdale, Vice Chair, IoD Buckinghamshire
• David Pritchard, Non-executive Director, BELP (Buckinghamshire Education Learning Partnership)
• Gareth Elliott, Senior Policy Advisor, British Chambers of Commerce      
• Alan Pauling, Director, Gifford UK
• Moderator – Roy Sheppard

The Debate Will Cover:

• Local authority, industry & expert view on the implications for Buckinghamshire.
• Pro’s & cons for UK – issues connected to affordability.
• Pro’s & cons for Buckinghamshire.
• Business response to the HS2 process/consultation (running between February & July).
• A vote FOR or AGAINST.

The Background:

The HS2 route – through Buckinghamshire and the Chilterns is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The service is between London and Birmingham – with no plans for a stop en route. The proposed route for the first phase of the project has been redrawn to incorporate changes to around 65 out of the 127 miles of its length. For example, between Amersham and Wendover, a green bridge and a green tunnel have been incorporated. Travelling at more than 200 mph, journey times between cities would be cut by about 30 minutes. The scheme will indeed help tackle the north-south divide by slashing travelling times to and from London and provide a direct link to the European high speed rail network.

Booking:

This is a free event – with a light lunch & refreshments. To book, or for further information: click here or call Customer Services on 01753 870 500. We are expecting a strong attendance, so booking must be made in advance.