MP calls for payout details on new high speed rail link (From Oxford Mail)

MP calls for payout details on new high speed rail link

3:09pm Wednesday 24th March 2010 in

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NORTH Oxfordshire MP Tony Baldry has called for details of compensation available for households affected by the new London to Birmingham high-speed Rail link.

The move comes after the Tory MP met villagers from Finmere, Mixbury, Newton Purcell and Goddington, who could face disruption and noise from the new line.

Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis announced details of the Government’s plan to build the new rail link, called High Speed 2, to slash journey times between London, Birmingham, the North of England and Scotland.

The new line will cost £15.8bn and cross Oxfordshire using the route of the former Great Central Railway.

Concerns have been raised about disruption during construction of the railway, and noise from up to 28 trains an hour travelling at speeds of up to 225mph.

Mr Baldry said: “There is an exceptional hardship scheme for anyone whose house is immediately blighted. I’m trying to get details of that scheme to those affected as soon as possible.”