HS2

I must admit, I was originally quite supportive of it. But the projected costs seem astronomical compared to any perceived benefit, the amount of disruption, and what else the money could be used for, like you say expanding Heathrow.

There is huge opposition in Warwickshire, particularly over Southam way, as the proposed line will decimate a couple of beautiful villages, and my folks have just sold up as they found out there will be a huge HS2 construction camp just down the road from their place.

In Stratford Upon Avon, for around £50 million, they could reinstate the track and reconnect Strafords station to Honeybourne, about 8 miles away, giving Stratford a direct link to London again. As a tourist town, traffic congestion gets worse year on year. I've no doubt there are loads of smaller regional projects around the country that will directly impact and help the local economy, versus this huge mammoth project that nobody seems to want.

I HATE it. In theory it was great, the reality seems a disaster before it's really started!! The cost is mindblowing and people are going to have their homes destroyed not to mention the impact on wildlife. The trains will be overpriced and elitist no doubt anyway!!! 

Ahh it's great having you back 

Other than helping to pay for it via the HMRC it doesn't effect me, can't say getting to Birmingham 15 minutes faster overly excites me either.... Must admit it does seem a bit naff, during my travels across the UK during the summer all I've seen is billboards saying 'say no to HS2' I'm surprised no one has called on the services of good old Swampy to cause mayhem for the contractors....

For anyone who is interested, Swampy is now 43, living in a commune in Wales with his partner and 3 children (some reports say 4).  He works for the Forestry Commission.  I'm surprised he hasn't appeared with the Plane Stupid lot.......