IRHH's response to plans for new High Speed Rail link
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 IRHH Partnership Fundraiser, Linda Petrons, in the Wendover Memorial Woodland |
Iain Rennie Hospice at Home is naturally very concerned about the Department of Transport's (DoT) plans for a new High Speed Rail link through the Chilterns area, especially given the close proximity of the proposed route to our new Memorial Woodland in Wendover.
After looking at the plans released by the DoT last week, IRHH do not currently believe that the long-term future of our Woodland would be in jeopardy if and when the new rail link is built, as the plans seem to indicate that the track will be underground at that point. However there could well be some disruption to the area whilst the work is being done, and to the serenity of the area once the proposed track is operational.
The many supporters who have made dedications to the Woodland , and who helped with the tree-planting in February, are extremely important to the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, and we will naturally be doing everything we can to protect the future of the site, which has become a special place of remembrance for many people.
IRHH supporters across the Chilterns area have made dedications totaling over £23,000 towards the Woodland in memory of loved ones who have been nursed by the charity, which is celebrating its 25 th anniversary this year. Over 480 native British trees were planted in the Woodland over two weekends in February.
We will be very keen to discuss the plans further with the DoT when the time comes, and will keep a very close eye on developments regarding the planned rail link. It is of paramount importance to everyone at IRHH that any work carried out should not disturb an area of land which is now so special to many people.
22nd March 2010
