HS2: a long way to go for affected Ealing residents

Much of the focus on those against HS2 has so far been in the Chilterns.

In the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there has been an extremely loud, well-organised, anti-campaign. There's also a well-run campaign in Ruislip. Both have been effective in getting tunnels under their areas.

But others still face their homes being demolished. And most of the 338 homes that will be knocked down are in the capital.

In Ealing, residents say they're being ignored by the government and don't know what's going to happen to their homes.

There are also now some interesting statistics including the fact the government has now bought 47 homes at a cost of £27m.

But there remain many concerns especially with regards to Euston.

Lukewarm mayor?

The London mayor's support for HS2 seems to be rather lukewarm at the moment.

A spokesperson for Boris Johnson said: "The mayor has made clear that his support for HS2 will depend on several factors including the need for greater capacity to be provided at Euston to handle the extra numbers of people that would be brought into the capital.

"The plans announced by the government at the start of the year were a step forward but there is much more to do. He has explicitly raised the need for more capacity at Euston with the transport secretary and will continue to work with the government and HS2 to ensure that issue is resolved."

No-one from the Department for Transport was available for interview but a spokesperson said: "London will be one of the big winners from HS2.

"It will deliver improved connectivity with our great northern cities, extra space on the existing lines for more commuter services, a completely re-vamped Euston Station, a brand new interchange station at Old Oak Common and some 20,000 jobs for Londoners."

What do you think?