Projects near HS2 route get cash handouts

Among the first recipients of the Community and Environment Fund (CEF) and Business and Local Economy Fund (BLEF) are the Thorpe Mandeville Village Hall Trust, and Helmdon Acorns Pre-School in Helmdon, near Brackley.

A grant worth £4,600 will mean the Thorpe Mandeville Village Hall Trust can carry out a refurbishment and just over £5,400 has meant the Helmdon Acorns Pre-School could install a brand new outdoor play surface for the children.

Today HS2 Minister Nusrat Ghani visited Crewe station to announce an extension of the £40m scheme for economies and communities affected by the construction of Phase One – with a further £5m being made available to help communities along HS2 Phase 2a route from the West Midlands to Crewe.

Nusrat Ghani said: “HS2 will be the backbone of our national rail network – supporting growth and regeneration and helping us build a Britain fit for the future.

“While we know there will be disruption as we deliver one of Europe’s biggest infrastructure projects, we are absolutely committed to minimising the effects of building the new railway.

“That is why I am delighted to see this significant funding helping to unlock the potential of communities and businesses along the route, ensuring the legacy of HS2 extends beyond the railway.

“This project will help regenerate the local area and bring people closer together, and I look forward to seeing more projects being funded in the future.”

These funding allocations highlight the government’s determination to ensure HS2 is more than just a railway, but a catalyst for economic growth, driving regeneration as well as improving the transport landscape around the rail line.

The cash will be spent on public projects such as the refurbishment of community centres, nature conservation and measures to support local economies and employment.

Liz Hart from Helmdon Acorns Pre-School said: “This funding has enabled us to expand our outdoors area and install a new play surface for the children.

“A dedicated area for bicycles, tricycles and scooters has helped promote physical activity for the children and they have enjoyed the new facilities immensely since they were completed in October 2017.”

Cathy Elliott, independent chairman of CEF and BLEF, said: “We have had a fantastic response so far and are proud to be supporting a variety of projects which will bring huge benefits to their communities for many years to come.

“More funding is available for eligible applicants in the HS2 Phase One area and throughout the construction of Phase One.

“We look forward to announcing more funded local projects for Phase One and the launch date for Phase 2a applications.”

Mark Thurston, HS2 Ltd chief executive, said: “As we deliver HS2, we have the opportunity to leave a positive legacy for the communities along the route of the railway.

“Our Community and Environment Fund, and its twin Business Fund, are starting to support important local initiatives, including building renovations and environmental projects.

“We’re encouraging local people to come forward with other opportunities, such as community-led nature projects which could contribute to the ‘green corridor’ we’re creating alongside the railway.

“This grassroots activity is in addition to the national benefits of HS2, which will rebalance the economy by connecting eight out of our ten biggest cities, increase rail capacity on the current system and reduce journey times, while also creating thousands of jobs across the UK.”