• YOUR report on HS2’s creation of the unacceptable living conditions of a significant number of residents, comes as no surprise, (You thought lockdown was hard? Try it next to a noisy, dusty building site full of rats, June 25).

The number of measures HS2 claim to have in place to minimise the disruptions to the residents, seem to be non-existent.

In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the conditions the Langdale residents have to put up with. Though HS2 is not responsible for the restrictions, had HS2 put in the sound-proofing as it was supposed to, and provide alternative play area for the children, the residents may be better able to put up with the adverse effects from the works.

They opened a very small garden on Hampstead Road near Silverdale bus stop, closed it after a few weeks with a notice saying it would be open in October. Which October? It is still closed.

HS2 may have the most extensive complaints policy and process, but the North Regent’s Park Estate tenants do not see any evidence that HS2 are taking complaints seriously. Since the lockdown there has been no alternative to the meetings between HS2 and the affected residents.

Hopefully the CNJ’s publicity will embarrass HS2 to meet its contracted obligations and stop their recycled excuses. But I doubt it.

Question: why is Camden Council not insisting that the “100 assurances” given by HS2 to protect the residents during the construction are delivered?

PATSY DOWNEY
Hawkshead, NW1