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Paul Bigland

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Paul Bigland

Monthly Archives: April 2015

On the road again..

30 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Politics, Railways, UKIP

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Politics, Railways, UKIP

– well, rails really, but you know what I mean!

After a day at home I’m heading South on Grand Central’s 08:04 from Halifax to Kings Cross. I’m actually on my way to Norwich as Abellio Greater Anglia are showing off the first of their refurbished Mk3 sets to the press tomorrow. Norfolk’s county town isn’t the easiest place to get to from West Yorkshire so I’m heading down a day early & using the time to get pictures for my library. For once I’m not working over a bank holiday & I’m looking forward to having some quality time at home on my return.

Before I left this morning I remembered to get my postal ballot in for the general election. The list of candidates caused a wry smile. Despite the range of parties they all (bar one) had something in common. They all live in Yorkshire. The one that doesn’t is (yep, you’ve guessed it) the UKIP candidate, who actually lives in that well known Yorkshire town of Canterbury, Kent!

20150430_065014

I dunno, coming up here, taking our votes…

Those dogshit blues…

29 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Abandoned railways, Leicestershire, Melton Mowbray, Walking

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Abandoned railways, Leicestershire, Melton Mowbray, Walking

I had a commission in rural Leicestershire on Monday so my partner, Dawn and I decided to use it as an opportunity to explore the area. We booked a couple of nights at the Sysonby Knoll hotel on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray. The hotel’s part of the Best Western group & displays all the quirkiness & individuality that many of their properties do. It’s set in an attractive garden that’s bordered by the meandering River Eye. Our gorgeous first floor room looked out across the river & meadow beyond to the embankments of an old railway. As we had fabulous sunshine blessing our visit we both decided to go for an early morning walk along the footpath that’s replaced the rail tracks*. What could possibly go wrong?

Lazy & ignorant dog owners, that’s what!

We noticed the first pile of poo within minutes of stepping off the pavement. After 100 yards it became obvious the area was heavily used by dog walkers. It was like walking through a faecal minefield – and some of these dogs were clearly a damned sight bigger than Chihuahua’s! What should have been a pleasant walk & chance to explore was marred by inconsiderate dog-owners who (metaphorically & literally) didn’t give a shit.

The condition of the River Eye wasn’t much to write home about either. Perhaps I’ve been spoilt living on the clear Calder with its abundant wildlife & pristine waters. In contrast the Eye is a murky mess that bares the hallmarks of pollution from phosphate run-off from farmers’ fields along its banks.

What a shame. People remember Melton Mowbray for its pork pies & cheese. Sadly, Dawn & I will always associate it with dogshit.

* For anyone interested in old railways & who’s foolhardy enough to run the dogshit gauntlet here’s a link to the line’s history (and a selection of fine old photographs) run by local enthusiast Peter Smith;
http://www.meltonmowbrayrailways.info/

I’ve added a selection of pictures from the walk & the rest of our trip here:
http://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/p921265531

This week’s most bonkers anti Hs2 mob message- No 2.

25 Saturday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Hs2, StopHs2, Yorkshire

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Hs2, StopHs2, Yorkshire

– comes to you from one of the tiny number of anti Hs2 groups on the phase 2 route, or in the North. Although, they do seem rather confused over where the North actually is.

This was shared on Twitter today;

'Spend in the North'? Nimbys complaining about Hs2 being built near their village in Yorkshire seem rather confused...

‘Spend in the North’? Nimbys complaining about Hs2 being built near their village in Yorkshire seem rather confused…

For those who don’t know, Church Fenton is 16 miles east of Leeds in err, North Yorkshire! The irony of a bunch of North Yorkshire Nimbys trying to stop investment in the North whilst calling for it at the same time is rather priceless but typical of a campaign that’s hopelessly contradictory & confused.

Someone clearly has more money than sense. The population of Church Fenton is less than a thousand. Anti Hs2 campaigners living there number no more than a few dozen. Meanwhile, the local Tory MP has a majority of 22,200. As the old saying goes,’do the maths’….

Rather than wasting their money on the poster perhaps Church Fenton antis should have bought themselves a map?

The latest scores on the anti Hs2 mobs doors.

23 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Anti Hs2 mob, Hs2, Hs2aa, Politics, Railways, Scores on the doors, StopHs2

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Anti Hs2 mob, Hs2, Hs2aa, Politics, Railways, Scores on the doors, StopHs2

It’s that time of month to look at the anti Hs2 campaign’s ‘progress’ when it come to getting their message out to all those imaginary millions who oppose Hs2 in the run up to the election. As there’s only 2 weeks to go – you’d think they’d be seeing support swell.

Of course not. It’s all a figment of their imaginations. I’ve shown the Twitter & Facebook followers with % increases or decreases and once again, the news for their campaign isn’t good..

Anti scores Capture

The usual caveat applies. Not everyone following them is a supporter. Many will be there just to see what they’re up to.

To put these numbers into perspective, in 2013 the total number of UK parliamentary electors was 46,139,900….

Time to catch my breath for a moment…

23 Thursday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Germany, Siemens, Thameslink, Trams

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Germany, Railways, Siemens, Thameslink, Trams

I’m scribbling this on board a TPE train from Huddersfield to York, where I’m volunteering at tonight’s Railway Benefit Fund spring ball. Here’s the poster;

Bz_NyTuCMAEAixd.jpg small

It’s been a hectic week that’s left me with no time to blog – but plenty to blog about. It began with another press trip to Germany where Siemens were hosting a pre UITP 2015 conference event at their factory at Krefeld & test track at Wildenrath. 50 plus journalists from across Europe attended. To say Siemens had plenty to talk about & show us was an understatement – the press pack weighed a ton! At Krefeld we had a choice of seminars on digitalization, the Thameslink Class 700s and improving rail capacity through the use of electronic signalling. There was even a presentation on eBuses. After the presentations we toured the Thameslink Class 700 production line & were treated to a demonstration of the company’s 3-D design technology. All this has provided a huge amount to write about (I’ll be blogging about the Thameslink 700s in a separate piece when I’ve more time).

After a night in Dusseldorf we moved on to the Siemens test track on the former RAF base at Wildenrath which is a fantastic resource. It has two circular test tracks (the longest is 6km) and numerous testing & commissioning workshops. We’d come to see two different vehicles fleets; first was the new Avenio hybrid tram for Doha in Qatar. I have to say, this concept has the potential to be a real game changer for tramways – you’ll be able to read a full report about it in my next article for RAIL magazine. As well as being shown a static tram we took a ride on another which was under test. For a battery powered vehicle, their performance is impressive. Later we were treated to a ride on one of the 12-car Class 700s which are at Wildenrath for testing before they move to the UK later this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing them arrive as they’ll make a huge difference to capacity on the network. As an aside, Siemens mentioned that the Desiro City operating costs are 47% lower than the Class 450 Desiro. The presentations often contained interesting nuggets of information like this. Another mentioned that 3D printers have solved the problem of obsolescence in spare parts as it’s now possible to recreate them – even in small numbers.

One of the 19 3-car Avenio hybrid trams Siemens are building for Doha in Qatar.

One of the 19 3-car Avenio hybrid trams Siemens are building for Doha in Qatar.

Here's 700101 on the test track at Wildenrath. Earlier in the month I had the opportunity to drive it at 80mph!

Here’s 700101 on the test track at Wildenrath. Earlier in the month I had the opportunity to drive it at 80mph!

Right, we’re almost at York, so it’s time to go. I’ll write more about my experiences with Siemens soon. In the meantime, if you want to have a look at the rest of the pictures from Germany, follow these links;

http://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/p273014381

http://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/p921265531

No rest for the wicked…

20 Monday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Airports, Manchester, Travel

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Airports, Manchester, Travel

Monday 05:15

Sorry for the lack of blogs this past week. To say life is hectic at the moment really doesn’t do things justice! I’m typing this from Costa Coffee in Manchester Airport whilst I wait for my flight to Dusseldorf. I’m heading back to Germany for the second time this month on yet another press trip – this time to have a look at some of the other projects the company are involved in besides the Class 700s for the UK. It’s going to be a hectic (but fascinating) couple of days. Siemens are my hosts & their events always provide plenty of interest. I’m particularly looking forward to learning more about the new Avenio trams they’re building for Doha which will run without overhead wires – a technology that could be very useful in our growing cities.

That aside, I can’t say I’m a fan of kicking my heels in airport lounges – especially this time of morning, but when needs must – at least there’s a welcoming Costa Coffee & free wifi here. The lounge is a melange of people here for different purposes which is reflected in the destinations up on the departure board. There’s business folks like me heading off to locations such as Aberdeen, Dusseldorf, or Dublin, whilst the hen parties & tourists we’re rubbing shoulders with are heading off to Ibiza, Alicante & Amsterdam. Despite the earliness of the hour, terminal three is surprisingly busy. Mind you – that could be just my perception as the place isn’t exactly large. Heathrow it isn’t.

Once I get back I’ve a day at home before heading off to York where I’m volunteering at the Railway Benefit Fund Spring Ball. I’ve a queue of subjects to blog about, so as soon as I have some spare time I’ll get typing. In the meantime, you can keep up with my travels & pictures here:

http://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/p921265531

The election campaign goes from bad to worse for the Hs2 antis…

15 Wednesday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Anti Hs2 mob, Hs2, Hs2aa, Politics

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Anti Hs2 mob, Chris Adams, Farage, Hs2, Hs2aa, Politics

As if the fact all the major political parties have now endorsed Hs2 in their manifestos there’s yet more disastrous news for the anti Hs2 campaign, c/o newspaper ‘City AM’ & polling company electionforecast.co.uk. They’ve looked at how UKIP are polling in their 12 target seats.

Here’s a link to the ‘City AM’ article:

http://www.cityam.com/213755/general-election-2015-how-are-ukip-and-nigel-farage-doing-peoples-armys-target-seats?utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Email&utm_campaign=150415_CMU

The result that is especially interesting is Aylesbury. It’s this:

Aylesbury

The relevant percentages are Tories 54% Labour 16% LD 16% UKIP 11% Greens 2% others 1%

Hang on, UKIP on 11% and the Tories on 54%? This is meant to be a bastion of the anti Hs2 campaign, a veritable hotbed of irate citizens itching to show their displeasure at the ballot box. For weeks they’ve even been insisting that the anti Hs2 vote could swing the election! Now it seems it can’t even swing a seat in their very heartland…

All this shows is what I’ve been saying for years. The anti Hs2 campaign has lied about how much public support it really has and UKIP fell for it. There’s going to be one hell of a reality check coming for the anti Hs2 campaign after the general election.

Talking of reality checks. I hear that the Hs2 Action Alliance haven’t filed any accounts since 2013. I wonder why? That can’t be good for their credit rating…

Stop Hs2’s Vicky Pollard moment.

14 Tuesday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Anti Hs2 mob, Hs2, Penny Gaines, Politics, StopHs2

≈ 3 Comments

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Anti Hs2 mob, Hs2, Politics, Railways, StopHs2

The anti hs2 mob are having a terrible election. Their ‘ no votes for you with Hs2’ has been as much use as a chocolate teapot. None of the major parties (or even a single MP) have been persuaded to change their minds. Yesterday it went from bad to worse as the Labour party released their manifesto containing a clear commitment to build Hs2.

Desperately looking for any crumb of comfort Stop Hs2 Chair Penny Gaines had a hilarious ‘Vicky Pollard’ moment – along with one another anti (who’ve featured here before).

'What,the labour party still support Hs2? Yeah, but no, but yeah but no...'

‘What,the labour party unequivocally support Hs2? Yeah, but no, but yeah but no…’

Here’s the ludicrous press release from Pollard – sorry, Gaines:

http://stophs2.org/news/13431-labours-support-hs2-leaves-get-out-clause

“they claim to support HS2, but their support leaves a large get-out clause in the form of costs” Thunders ‘Vicky’, neatly falling for her own spin.

Why? Because Hs2 costs haven’t actually risen. What has happened is the economic case which contains detailed costs & revisions after some projects have been scrapped hasn’t been re-issued yet. And remember, those costs already contain a huge contingency. Hs2 are designing the line without using that contingency in their calculations. So, when Labour talk about costs, they they know they’re on pretty safe ground.

Poor ‘Vicky’ can’t mention this as it would expose StopHs2’s years of deception on ‘rising’ costs. Instead, she tries & fails to find some political tea-leaves to read & give false hope to the poor people who still fall for Stophs2’s lies & deceit.

Meanwhile, what does Labour leader Ed Miliband think about Hs2? His recent Yorkshire Post interview answers that:

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/labour-will-back-hs2-miliband-1-7194044

“But asked whether Leeds voters who back Labour can expect HS2 to be delivered on the current timetable if the party wins power, Mr Miliband told the YEP: “Yes.”

He continued: “We support HS2, absolutely, we support HS2. We are not backing off it, we are not changing our position on it. We are supporters of HS2 and that’s clear.

“What Ed Balls has said is that we need the east-west link as well and that’s right.”

Mr Miliband’s commitment on the issue means the election campaign has now produced unequivocal backing from both major parties on pushing ahead to connect Leeds to London and to Manchester and Liverpool with high speed rail.”

Now,’Vicky’ Gaines. Which bit of unequivocal’ don’t you understand?

‘Yeah, but no – but yeah, but no…’

In praise of the return of the station buffet bar

12 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in Community, Rail Investment, Railways, Station buffets

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Community, Investment, Railways, Station buffets

Anyone who has been a rail traveller since the 1970s will remember the BR era of station rationalisation when many stations lost all their fine buildings & facilities & had them replaced with draughty bus shelters, ugly brick bunkers – or nothing . Thankfully, that era is long gone & stations are enjoying a new age where they’re very much part of the community again. One great example of this is the rebirth & spread of the station buffet & bar. There’s a fantastic mixture of these places. Some are survivors from the past whilst many are brand new. There’s been a veritable explosion of food outlets on the railways in recent years, driven partly by the massive growth in passenger numbers & also by a new commercial focus within Network Rail. I should also mention the Railway Heritage Trust. They’ve been a great help by offering both advice & funding to some of these schemes.

The quality & range of offerings is a vast improvement on what was on offer in the 1970s when the BR sandwich was a staple – but only of comedian’s jokes…

My nomadic lifestyle allows me to visit these places on a regular basis so here’s a sample of what’s on offer. These are some of my regular haunts & particular favourites. I’m always on the lookout for new places to visit so feel free to make any suggestions. Where I can I’ve provided links to the bars websites.

Stalybridge
This has to be one of the most famous bars on the entire UK network. There’s been a buffet on Stalybridge station almost continuously from 1885 until a brief closure in the mid 1990’s. Fortunately, the bar reopened in 1997 under the auspices of John Hesketh & Sylvia Wood who turned it into a welcoming real ale Mecca decked out with railway memorabilia. Sylvia finally retired in 2013 & the lease was taken over by Mike Field & Sarah Barnes. I love popping in here on a cold winter’s day when you can sit by a roaring fire & enjoy a pint or a pie. In the summer you can sit in the conservatory or soak up the sunshine outside. Here’s a look at the place;
http://www.stalybridgebuffetbar.co.uk/the-buffet-bar/

There's nothing better on a cold winter's day than a pint by a roaring fire as you're waiting for pie & peas..

There’s nothing better on a cold winter’s day than a pint by a roaring fire as you’re waiting for pie & peas..

The restored conservatory at Stalybridge buffet bar

The restored conservatory at Stalybridge buffet bar

As you can see - you don't have far to go when you step off the train from Manchester...

As you can see – you don’t have far to go when you step off the train from Manchester…

Sowerby Bridge
I couldn’t fail to mention the Jubilee refreshment rooms on my local station. This award winning business was opened in 2009 by two local railway enthusiasts, Chris and Andrew Wright who secured the lease on the former waiting room & converted it into a lovely cafe-bar that’s become a real community focus. They hold a whole host of events, meetings & trips as well as being the base for the Friends of Sowerby Bridge station. In fact, I’m giving a photo show here in August (see their website for details)..
http://www.jubileerefreshmentrooms.co.uk/

Chris Wright serves food from the 'hatch' during the annual rushbearing festival. The window is used to sell food & drink to hungry commuters every morning before the rooms open.

Chris Wright serves food from the ‘hatch’ during the annual rushbearing festival. The window is used to sell food & drink to hungry commuters every morning before the rooms open.

Chris & Andrew are keen to let customers know how long the beers been on - hence these beer labels..

Chris & Andrew are keen to let customers know how long the beers been on – hence these beer labels..

A busy weekend inside the Jubilee refreshment rooms

A busy weekend inside the Jubilee refreshment rooms

Birmingham Moor St
The Centenary Lounge is a place I always visit when I’m in town. It’s a delightful Great Western Railway /Art Deco themed cafe which was opened by Birmingham businesswoman Aasia Baig in 2009. It’s a great place to sit outside on the concourse with a coffee & watch the hustle & bustle of this busy station, or relax inside & enjoy a snack or one of their range of bottled beers whilst using the free wifi. I can recommend the sandwiches too…
http://centenarylounge.com/

The Art Deco inspired interior of the Centenary Lounge at Moor St.

The Art Deco inspired interior of the Centenary Lounge at Moor St.

The Great Western feel is carried through to these delightful coffee cups.

The Great Western feel is carried through to these delightful coffee cups.

Sheffield
The Sheffield Tap is a superb example of a station bar that has been restored after decades of disuse & neglect. It really is a gem. In 2008 friends Jamie Hawksworth & Jon Holdsworth began restoring the former Edwardian bar in the main station building with the help of a grant from the Railway Heritage Trust. The rooms had been vandalised & left to rot by BR, who finally locked up & abandoned them in 1976. The restoration of the Grade 2 listed rooms has been extensive & it’s a joy to behold. The place has been such a success that it’s extended from the original bar & taken over the former First Class dining room next door. This has allowed them to install a micro brewery on the premises. There’s always an impressive range of hand pulled real ales & bottled beers on sale, making the Tap a ‘must visit’ location for beer lovers. I love sitting here with a pint, admiring the quality of the restoration work whilst watching the trains go by outside.

The pair have since gone on to open a splendid bar at York station as well as two bars at Euston, the Euston Tap & the Cider Tap – all are well worth a visit.
http://www.sheffieldtap.com/

What a gem! The refurbished bar,  tiling & restored ceiling in the Sheffield Tap - back from the dead after years of deeliction.

What a gem! The refurbished bar, tiling & restored ceiling in the Sheffield Tap – back from the dead after years of deeliction.

The gorgeous former First Class Dining Room has been reopened as the Tap extension, which housies the microbrewery.

The gorgeous former First Class Dining Room has been reopened as the Tap extension, which housies the microbrewery.

How's this for a stylish place to enjoy a beer whilst waiting for a train? The former First Class dining room.

How’s this for a stylish place to enjoy a beer whilst waiting for a train? The former First Class dining room.

Ridgmont
This little station building on the Bedford-Bletchley line has been leased from Network Rail and managed by Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity. The project was instigated by Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership. Having been derelict for many years the building underwent a 5 year restoration before reopening as a visitor centre & lovely little cafe in 2013. The building is staffed entirely by local volunteers. I visited in summer last year & was really impressed with the quality of the food, much of which (like the cakes) is made by the volunteers. As well as the indoor cafe the station has an outdoor seating area. The project is a great example of a community coming together to bring back a station to life.
http://www.fennystratford.org.uk/index.php/transport/65-restored-ridgmont-station-now-open

The outdoor seating area at Ridgmont is a real sun trap in the summer.

The outdoor seating area at Ridgmont is a real sun trap in the summer.

Inside the tea room at Ridgmont

Inside the tea room at Ridgmont

Another view of the tea room - and some of the delicious cakes baked by volunteers...

Another view of the tea room – and some of the delicious cakes baked by volunteers…

The old booking office has been turned into a museum. Volunteers are happy to give you a guided tour & talk about the history & significance of the exhibits

The old booking office has been turned into a museum. Volunteers are happy to give you a guided tour & talk about the history & significance of the exhibits

Bridlington
Another long-standing gem, this two room bar dates from 1912 & is still in use –although nowadays privately owned. The bar retains its original mahogany fittings, marbled topped and terrazo floor, whilst the walls are full of various items of railwayana from all over the world. There’s also an outdoor seating area on the concourse, sheltered from the elements by the glazed roof. You can always find a good selection of real ales on sale, as well meals & snacks. I really enjoy sitting outside herein the summer as the bar almost disappears behind a wall of flowers growing from the multitude of baskets & boxes adorning the walls.
http://www.stationbuffet.co.uk/

The bar at Bridlington is a fascinating room to explore. It's said that the crack in the floor is the aftermath of a particularly bad 'heavy shut' in years gone by...

The bar at Bridlington is a fascinating room to explore. It’s said that the crack in the floor is the aftermath of a particularly bad ‘heavy shut’ in years gone by…

Another view of the bar looking towards the door out onto the concourse.

Another view of the bar looking towards the door out onto the concourse.

The dining area & counter in the station bar.

The dining area & counter in the station bar.

- I did mention that wall of flowers on the concourse!

– I did mention that wall of flowers on the concourse!

LINKS

If you’d like to learn more about the valuable work of the Railway Heritage Trust, visit their website at;

http://railwayheritagetrust.co.uk/

The anti Hs2 mobs campaign continues to head for the rocks

10 Friday Apr 2015

Posted by Paul Bigland in election2015, Hs2, Hs2aa, Politics, Railways, StopHs2

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Anti Hs2 mob, Hs2aa, Politics, Ralways, StopHs2

As we’re now well into the general election campaign I thought it would be interesting to have yet another look at the anti Hs2 campaign’s social media influence.

No doubt they’ve been hoping that the *cough* ‘millions’ they claim are affected by & who oppose Hs2 would be flocking to their banner. As usual, the truth is very different.

I’ve previously looked at their Twitter & Facebook performance in February & March. This looks at the groups themselves and the individual ‘main players’. I’ve added today’s scores in this little spreadsheet, along with the percentage change.

Anti Hs2 mob stats

As you can see – it’s abysmal. They’ve hardly moved from a very low base & in some cases they’ve even gone backwards! Bear in mind that ‘followers’ doesn’t automatically mean supporters. Many folks will be following simply to see what they’re up to. No wonder the main political parties don’t see them as anything to worry about with such abysmal numbers as these. That said, UKIP & the Greens should take note too. They’ve been conned into thinking there’s lots of votes to harvest by opposing Hs2, which is pure moonshine.

Let’s put these numbers in perspective. The total number of UK parliamentary electors in 2013 was 46,139,900. I hate to think how many zeros would be on the figure if you calculated what percentage of that number the anti Hs2 campaign is reaching!

There’s another problem for the anti Hs2 mob. As the election campaign progresses it’s becoming clearer that voters are starting to seriously think about who they want to see in Government. It’s all very well considering placing a protest vote with UKIP or Greens but neither have a snowballs chance in hell of holding power. Polls are showing that voters are realising this, with votes transferring back to the main parties.

This is yet more bad news for the anti Hs2 campaign. Their ‘no votes for you with Hs2’ campaign’s been an embarrassing flop & they’re failing to persuade anyone who could stop Hs2 to do so. It’s not hard to see why. Their Twitter campaign is increasingly relying on the sort of people the PM once called ‘swivel-eyed loons’…!

When the election results become clear & the Hs2 Hybrid Bill Committee reconvenes, I suspect their campaign will go into another slough of despondency. I can’t see the people who bankroll it continuing to throw their money away forever. Perhaps it’s time Joe Rukin started looking for a proper job…

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