Rachel has secured an independent air quality assessment for local residents following concerns raised about the impact of HS2 construction activity.
During a recent visit by HS2’s CEO, Mark Wild, to the Water Orton community Spud Club, residents voiced worries about local air quality and called for an independent review.
Having pushed for action from HS2, Rachel has now confirmed that an independent air quality assessment will be undertaken.
She said:
“Since being elected, I have been relentless in pressing for a fairer deal for residents in Coleshill and Water Orton, who continue to endure significant disruption and inconvenience as a result of HS2 construction. Concerns about air quality have been raised with me time and again, and it is only right that they are taken seriously.
After securing a meeting between HS2’s Chief Executive and Water Orton residents, I am pleased that we now have a clear commitment to an independent review. This is an important step in ensuring our community can have full confidence in how air quality is being monitored and managed, and that any necessary action is backed by robust, impartial evidence.”
The review will be carried out by the Centre for Low Emission Construction at Imperial College London, a leading academic institution with recognised expertise in construction-related environmental impacts. As an independent academic body, Imperial College will provide a professional and impartial assessment of air quality issues linked to the construction works.
Importantly, the specialist team conducting the review also sits on the committee of the Institute of Air Quality Management, which owns the industry guidance for managing and monitoring air quality on construction sites. This ensures the review will be informed by best practice and the highest professional standards.
Following the assessment, Imperial College will produce a summary report setting out any findings and recommendations. This report will be shared with relevant stakeholders and the community to ensure transparency and accountability.
Rachel added that she will continue to work closely with local residents and stakeholders to ensure that any recommendations arising from the review are acted upon.
Residents will be kept updated on the progress of the review and informed when the outcomes and recommendations are expected in due course, including through the MP’s dedicated HS2 newsletter.