Following my recent meeting with Andrew Stephenson, I have now received further assurances around the works due to be undertaken within the Colne Valley. I am pleased that constituents can be assured this is something the Department for Transport are actively watching and holding HS2's feet to the fire.
In terms of the working hours, I can understand why this will be needed on occasion, especially when pouring concrete. However, when this news was first made public, constituents understandably assumed the worst and so having these reassurances in writing is very useful. Additionally, contractors will be working to the recognised industry benchmark “Best Practicable Means". This will commit the construction team to minimising both noisy and night works.
The second matter that many constituents have particular concern over is how the works in building the viaduct will affect the water quality in the lakes. I have spoken about the legal limitations on how much data HS2 are able to publish in the past but I hope that the involvement of Affinity Water and the Environment Agency will be welcomed by those constituents who are worried. These plans have been put together in conjunction with these other stakeholders and I am especially pleased to learn that they are continuing to monitor the water quality and flow as the works progress.
I have included the Minister's full letter below.
