HS2: a victory - but many battles ahead!
The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust met last night (15 December) and the HS2 access road was the main item. An agreement on a less disruptive access route to the sewer works has been reached.
But we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that the Scrubs is still under threat in the long term from attempts to over-develop Linford Christie Stadium.
Here is a report from the FOWWS co-opted members of the trust, Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen and Miriam Shea.
Many of you will be aware of the proceedings and the main outcome of the Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust (WSCT) meeting last night having watched it live on YouTube. For those who missed it, the key points are below.
HS2 – Sewer Diversion Works
LBHF looks to have reached an agreement with HS2 under which HS2 will use Old Oak Common Lane as its primary access point for works on the Scrubs. This is a huge victory for those (Faye [Thomas] in particular) who campaigned so effectively on this issue so huge thanks to all involved. The proposed agreement is not perfect as there will still need to be some (much less disruptive) access from Braybrook Street for preliminary vegetation clearance. It was repeatedly made clear that HS2 cannot be stopped as they have authority by Act of Parliament. LBHF have - some of us would definitely say very late in the game - recognised how important this is, and they are now devoting significant time and effort by senior Borough Officers to ensure that HS2 cause as little damage as possible, stick to the rules while they do their work, and reinstate as best as possible.
LBHF are now very focused on all issues around HS2 and we, the Friends, will need to ensure this continues.
WSCT are issuing a statement, through LBHF, very shortly if not already done. It can be found on the LBHF website.
Linford Christie Stadium proposed redevelopment
Nothing new to report, officers are continuing to work on preparing the procurement process with draft documents to be shared with the WSCT in January. We will of course be scrutinizing these carefully.
Ecological and biodiversity improvement master plan
Again not much to report, the masterplan consultants are preparing another draft for review by the WSCT sub committee which includes Stephen Waley Cohen and Smita Dave.
Timing: may be January.
Grounds Maintenance
The borough wide contract is coming up for review and officers are proposing a split into multiple lots including a separate lot / contract for the Scrubs. A subcommittee will be involved in the drafting of procurement documents and this will include me.
Timing: the process is intended to result in a new contract or contracts to take effect in spring 2022.
New dedicated Wormwood Scrubs staff
Richard Gill, who joined LBHF as dedicated Wormwood Scrubs officer paid for by the HS2 funding for ecological and biodiversity (nothing to do with the sewer diversion) is now Borough Parks Manager. There is a new person, Heather Marsh, fulfilling this responsibility.
In addition, WSCT agreed to appoint a Trust Manager to work full time on all things Wormwood Scrubs, instead of various LBHF officers trying to find time to do what's necessary. This could be good news, and a single point of contact for us.
Link to documents incl surveys
Report: http://democracy.lbhf.gov.uk/documents/g7037/Public%20reports%20pack%2015th-Dec-2020%2018.30%20Wormwood%20Scrubs%20Charitable%20Trust%20Committee.pdf?T=10
Wildlife surveys: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/articles/news/2019/10/making-wormwood-scrubs-better-home-wildlife
Best wishes to all for the festive season (such as it is in 2020!)
Miriam Shea, 16 December 2020