Rupa Huq Raises Local Concerns During HS2 Site Visit
MP welcomes commitment of project CEO to meet with residents
Rupa Huq MP (right) during her visit to the Old Oak Common site
August 19, 2025
Ealing Central and Acton MP, Rupa Huq, visited the construction site of Old Oak Common station last week. She was there to meet with HS2 leadership to discuss the impact of the high-speed rail development on local communities. The station, set to become one of London’s largest transport interchanges, is a central component of the HS2 project and the wider regeneration plans for Old Oak, which were announced earlier this summer.
During her visit, Dr Huq met with HS2 Chief Executive Mark Wild to relay concerns raised by residents, particularly those represented by the Old Oak Alliance. Issues highlighted included disruption to local roads, noise pollution, and the loss of green space. Dr Huq emphasized the need for greater sensitivity to the lived experiences of constituents, some of whom have reported dust, vibrations, and other disturbances linked to the ongoing construction.
HS2 has made funding available through its Community and Business Fund to support local organizations and mitigate some of the disruption. However, Dr Huq stressed the importance of further investment in surrounding transport infrastructure, referencing her ongoing advocacy for improved Elizabeth Line services following discussions with residents in the W3 postcode.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr Huq described the meeting as a “refreshing change” and welcomed Mr Wild’s commitment to meet with residents in person later this autumn. She cautioned, however, that constituents would need firmer guarantees that the project would not face further delays or leave communities in limbo.
Further engagement between HS2 and local stakeholders is expected in the coming months, with residents keen to see tangible progress and a renewed commitment to community involvement as the development moves forward.
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