Businesses situated along the HS2 construction route in Warwickshire are warning that the ongoing works are pushing them to the brink of collapse. Owners report a significant decline in custom due to persistent road closures, noise pollution, and dust, leading to substantial financial strain.
A petition has been launched on the Parliament website, calling for the government to urgently re-evaluate existing compensation schemes for companies suffering financial hardship as a direct result of the high-speed rail project. The plea comes amidst concerns that current provisions are inadequate and leave many businesses without timely support.
Among those severely impacted is Nailcote Hall Hotel in Balsall Common, a popular venue for weddings and events that employs up to 80 staff. Owners Rick and Sue Cressman state they have lost a third of their wedding bookings due to diversions, which can last for up to a month at a time. Rick Cressman highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that under current rules, compensation can only be applied for once the project is completed, potentially as late as 2039. HS2 Ltd, however, maintains that Nailcote Hall is approximately 900 metres from the line of route and, as no land was required for the railway's construction, it does not qualify for statutory compensation.
Similarly, Steve Cuddy and Gillian Etheridge, who have operated Grimscote Manor Hotel in Coleshill for 26 years, predict they may be forced to close within two years. They claim the proximity to the HS2 works has 'decimated' their wedding business, with noise, smells, and traffic deterring customers. The hoteliers state they are not making a profit and are simply 'hanging on', hoping to recover once the construction concludes. HS2 Ltd states that Grimscote Manor Hotel is also not directly affected, and the A446, where it is located, has not been closed for works.
The petition was initiated by Councillor Heather Delaney of the Balsall and Berkswell ward, who is also Deputy Leader of Solihull Borough Council. She advocates for a government review to ensure fair and timely compensation, including the potential creation of a new scheme. Councillor Delaney stressed that businesses are incurring costs now, not at the project's completion, making the long wait for compensation unsustainable.
The Department for Transport declined to comment on the petition. The HS2 project, which recently announced further delays, is not expected to see trains running until at least 2036, pushing the completion timeframe for some sections even further into the future.