HS2 chiefs to pay out thousands to evicted families

Six families from Weeford and Packington near Lichfield put forward plans to relocate their hamlet so they could continue living close to their neighbours.

But an investigation by the Parliamentary Ombudsman found that HS2 Ltd made a 'catalogue of errors' in dealing with their bid.

The probe found that bosses gave the community false hope which caused the residents 'severe stress and worry' and had a 'huge' impact on their lives, careers and health.

The families spent two years drawing up and submitting proposals but Ombudsman Julie Mellor concluded the company gave them no feedback and doubted if they ever even considered the proposals.

HS2 must now pay each of the families between £750 and £4,000 in compensation.

Ms Mellor said: "This small tight-knit community now faces separation due to a catalogue of errors by HS2 Ltd.

"Despite HS2 Ltd encouraging those affected by the project to work with them to come up with solutions, these families were made to feel as though their proposal had simply disappeared into a black hole, leaving them with no option but to accept compensation for their homes and abandon any hope of them staying together as a community.

"The ordeal these families have endured highlights the dire consequences of public sector organisations getting it wrong and not communicating effectively."

The families formed a group called Flats Lane and Knox Grave Lane Residents Group. Spokesman Jonathan Loescher said: "We loved where we lived and worked.

"We wanted to work with HS2 Ltd to try and explore the possibility of being able to continue to live within the immediate local area, save our businesses and give us the opportunity to maintain our existing lifestyles. Now most of the community has left the area."

Demolition of the hamlet is due to begin in 2017 as the construction of the first phase of HS2, between London and the West Midlands, gets under way.

HS2 Ltd chief executive Simon Kirby offered a 'full apology' to the residents and said the company would pay the recommended sums.

"The period in question was one of transition for the HS2 project, which affected the speed with which we were able to progress the issues raised by the residents," he said.

"HS2 has evolved significantly during that time and I am confident we would avoid a similar situation developing in future. However, it is also only fair and right to say that HS2 Ltd did not, does not and never will have powers to agree one of the residents' key requests, namely that their entire community be relocated."