Protesters claimed that they dug and are ready to occupy a network of 100-foot tunnels under a small park in central London that they claim to be at risk from the development of the HS2 line.
HS2 Rebellion, an alliance of groups and individuals campaigning against the planned high-speed railway, says Euston Square Gardens, a green space outside Euston station, will be built with a temporary taxi rank before being sold to developers.
The protest group said “tree protectors” have been prepared to occupy the tunnels, dug “in secret” in recent months, and remain underground “as long as necessary to stop HS2”.
HS2 said it could not comment on the specific activities of the protesters because it had not yet taken possession of the land, but said that “illegal” actions could be a danger to people’s safety.
A community notification issued in December detailed the need to build a “makeshift” taxi stand on the east side of Euston Square Gardens to support the construction of a proposed HS2 station. The works should start in January and continue until December.
Tunnellers worked “24 hours a day” using picks, shovels and buckets to create the network, code-named Kelvin, said HS2 Rebellion.
With the help of local residents, the excavation remains were used to “strengthen the barricades” at the entrance to the network and isolate the “pallet fortress” to keep the tunnels warm while sleeping between shifts.
The tunnels are supported by wooden beams and thick planks to prevent collapse and inside are stocks of food and water, protesters said.
HS2 Rebellion said it expects protesters to be evicted from the scene on Wednesday morning.
He added: “They believe they can stay in the tunnel for several weeks and hope that, at this time, a court will rule against HS2 for violating the law when attempting an eviction without a court order and during the national coronavirus blockade.”
HS2 Rebellion says the planned HS2 line, which will link London, the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland, will see 108 old forests “destroyed” and “countless people being forced to leave their homes and businesses”. He urged the government to abandon the “expensive, unpopular and destructive” scheme.
HS2 limited said that only 43 old forests would be affected by the rail route between London and Crewe, with 80% of its total area remaining intact.
One protester, Blue Sanford, 18, from London, said: “I am in this tunnel because they are irresponsibly putting my life at risk due to the climate and the ecological emergency.
“They are behaving in such a reckless and insecure manner that I don’t feel they are giving us any option but to protest in this way to help save our own lives and the lives of all people around the world.”
Construction work began in September on the first phase of the HS2 from London to Birmingham. Phase 2a is planned to go from Birmingham to Crewe, and Phase 2b from Crewe to Manchester and from Birmingham to Leeds.
The government-commissioned Oakervee Review warned in 2019 that the HS2’s final bill could reach £ 106 billion at that year’s prices.
An HS2 spokesman said: “Illegal actions like this cost the taxpayer dearly and pose a danger to the safety of activists, HS2 officials, bailiffs and the general public, as well as putting unnecessary pressure on emergency services. during the pandemic.
“Security is our first priority when taking possession of land and removing illegal camps.”
She said HS2 offers “a cleaner and greener way to travel, helping to reduce the number of cars and trucks on our roads, reducing the demand for domestic flights and helping the country cut its carbon emissions in the fight against change climate change ”.
She added that HS2 was approved by parliamentarians on “multiple occasions”, would support Britain’s economic recovery and was supporting thousands of jobs.