We’re campaigning to protect canals and rivers from the damaging effects of HS2, especially where the tranquillity of the waterways is under threat.

Our HS2 route changes have already reduced waterways crossings – saving the project £50 million – and we have secured agreement for a new canal restoration route, a new mooring basin, changes in viaduct designs and improved noise protection.

HS2 waterway current campaign areas

We still have major concerns about:

• the impact of the Handsacre Link;
• the peaceful summit section of the Oxford Canal near Wormleighton;
• where the viaduct crosses the Trent & Mersey Canal at Great Haywood right alongside the marina;
• the waterways that are affected by current proposals, including the Shropshire Union Canal Middlewich Branch and the Trent & Mersey Canal north of Middlewich, and
• outstanding issues affecting the Ashby Canal restoration at Measham, and restoration of the Chesterfield Canal at Staveley.

HS2 waterway campaign successes

So far, we have persuaded the HS2 project to:

• change the route of the Handsacre Link spur near Lichfield to avoid two crossings of the Trent & Mersey Canal which would have seriously damaged the environment, tranquillity and heritage of the canal around Woodend Lock above Fradley Junction
• build a canal diversion and fund a replacement moorings basin at Cappers Lane in Lichfield when the bridge there is demolished for an HS2 viaduct
• lower the height of the viaducts around Kings Bromley
• add more noise fencing at Fradley and Great Haywood
• improve the design of the viaduct over the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal at Curdworth
• fund environmental enhancement works at Great Haywood

[The photo shows HS2 works in progress on the Grand Union Canal at Denham  –  by Neil Edwards]