The owner of a farm whose forests have been destroyed by HS2 work has spoken out now that the second phase of the project has been scrapped.

Ingrid Hodges and her family own Elm Tree Farm in Steeple Claydon, near Bicester, where they planted woodland 25 years ago which has now largely been removed by the HS2 project.

The developer is using the land to build its infrastructure maintenance depot, which will bring 180 jobs.

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Mrs Hodges has previously spoken to the Bicester Advertiser about how the transport project had removed two woodlands from her farm in the last five years, and destroyed hundreds of really old oak trees.

She also spoke about how her four children loved to play in the woodlands, and she felt as if the scheme was taking nature away from her kids.

Speaking on the scrapping of HS2, which the Prime Minister announced at the Conservative Part Conference yesterday (Wednesday, October 4), Mrs Hodges said: “We’ve always known it’s a complete waste of money. The fact it’s being scrapped isn’t a surprise, it should have been scrapped sooner, including the leg from London to Birmingham.

“The situation is dire for real people, and someone needs to be held accountable. There should be an enquiry into HS2 and all the destruction that has happened so far.

“I know people that have killed themselves over the stress this project has caused them. It has destroyed our lives.

“We’re just so sad.”

In his speech the Prime Minister also announced the money from the second leg of HS2 – from Birmingham to Manchester - would be redirected into other transport schemes across the country instead.

Oxford Mail: Woodland near Elm Tree Farm cut down by HS2

In response to this Mrs Hodges said: “The money would be much better spent on more local, or regional transport issues.

“It makes more sense to patch up the roads and help local transport, but also, think about how all these billions could have been spent on mental health, and education.

“It’s also really important that we protect our farmlands, how can we feed the nation if our farms are being destroyed?”

The Department for Transport has been contacted for comment.

The projects the Prime Minister plans to fund with HS2 money include the Network North project which will join up northern cities by rail, a Midlands Rail Hub to connect 50 stations and keeping the £2 bus fare cap across the country.

Addressing the Conservative Part Conference and the public, the Prime Minister said: “I say, to those who backed the project in the first place, the facts have changed. The right thing to do when the facts change, is to have the courage to change direction.”

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1