NFU Vice President David Exwood was in the county on 21 March and discussed a host of industry issues with members including the controversial rail route.
The £100 billion HS2 project includes 170 miles of new track linking London to Crewe and other rail upgrades.
HS2 development delayed
At the start of this month, it was announced that parts of the line between Birmingham, Crewe and Manchester will be “rephased” by two years, which could see the line to Crewe not open until 2036 and Manchester until 2043.
Sarah Faulkner, NFU policy manager, said: “David met those affected by HS2 Phase 2A and they spoke with him on the border at Betley before he visited sites and met farmers from Blithbury, Riley Hill and Drayton Bassett who are dealing with it in South East Staffordshire.
“While we recognise the importance of investing in the nation’s transport infrastructure a lack of respect by HS2 to NFU members is appalling, they deserve better.”
NFU Vice President David Exwood
“Our members have heavily criticised HS2 over the years for a serious lack of communication and have said the scheme is having a marked impact on their health and wellbeing and business viability.
“They already have grave concerns about land take, the scale of land taken for habitat mitigation, the slowness in making payments, problems with access and a host of other issues.
“We were pleased they were able to take these up further with the Vice President especially in the wake of the ‘rephasing’ announcement, which will lead to further delays and uncertainty.”
Devastating impact
Richard and Alison Williams who farm at Betley hosted the morning session and they were joined by neighbouring farmers alongside Newcastle-under-Lyme group secretary Michael Nicholls and Staffordshire NFU county adviser Jeremy Lowe, who organised the visit.
NFU Vice President David Exwood said: “I spent the day with the NFU team in Staffordshire seeing first-hand the devastating impacts of HS2 with poor communication and compensation causing hardship and stress to farming families.
“While we recognise the importance of investing in the nation’s transport infrastructure a lack of respect by HS2 to NFU members is appalling, they deserve better.
“Farm businesses must be left in a strong, viable condition where land can still be farmed productively, and that HS2 Ltd provides far greater clarity as the project continues.
“NFU members can be assured that we remain committed to this issue and will continue to work on their behalf and challenge wherever we can.”
“Our farmers feel they have been bulldozed by HS2 and I have members who have been affected, mentally, physically and financially.”
Simon Spencer, Group Secretary for Lichfield, Rugeley and Tamworth
Simon Spencer, Group Secretary for Lichfield, Rugeley and Tamworth, hosted the afternoon session and he has also been critical of HS2 and its impact on his members.
He said: “Lichfield, Rugeley and Tamworth NFU branch is probably one of the worst affected in the county by HS2 and this is due to the fact we have Phase 1 and 2A of the rail route travelling through our area.
“Our farmers feel they have been bulldozed by HS2 and I have members who have been affected, mentally, physically and financially.
“I am pleased they were able to make their case to Mr Exwood and have their say.”
In other county visit news
A small delegation also visited award-winning master butcher and game dealer Perrys of Eccleshall where the NFU Vice President had a chance to speak with owner Stephen Hill.
A few weeks ago the business hosted Mark Spencer MP, Defra Minister of State, to discuss the regulations governing small, independent abattoirs.
David Exwood also met NFU Staffordshire chair Paul Brown and farmers Ray and Richard Bower, of Penkridge, ahead of an evening meeting with members to discuss efforts to combat rural crime in the county.