Last week I was appaled to hear of the Sinkhole by Shardeloes Lake caused by HS2 and, along with Bucks Council Leader Martin Tett, visited the site and spoke to the local farmer affected.
Martin and I then met with HS2 senior management to discuss the incident where they told us there was a dissolution feature of flint and loose material that hadn't been picked up by the initial ground investigation. The Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) hit this deposit causing the collapse. They have assured us there is no threat to the nearby lake and that the hole will be filled within a fortnight.
We called for all work to be stopped until a proper assessment has been made of the risk of further sinkholes. This is particularly important before they tunnel under the River Misbourne, any damage to which could be devastating to our precious chalk streams and could be irreparable.
We deserve transparency from HS2 and they need to listen to our concerns as local residents. I will continue to stand up and hold them to account, and particularly keep an eye on this issue to ensure it is resolved responsibly and does not occur again.