The leader of Ealing Council has written to Peter Gow of HS2 Limited expressing deep concern over the proposed closure of Old Oak Lane for a 4 or 5 year period.

In the letter Councillor Mason says: "We are writing to formally express our deep concern over the proposed 4 or 5 year closure of this key road link and the impact any closure will have on our residents. While we appreciate the additional benefits that rail connections such as the Elizabeth Line can bring for Ealing residents, we know our residents have also experienced years of disruption, inconvenience, noise and air pollution and we are concerned that your most recent announcement will only exacerbate that disruption and is already causing a great deal of uncertainty and distress locally.

"Ealing Council is committed to supporting low carbon public transport and we recognise that the Old Oak Common station has the potential to be transformative for the borough. However, our priority is to ensure that HS2 can build a lasting legacy for the borough, and that local disturbances are mitigated as much as possible. For HS2 to be a success for the residents of Ealing, it needs to leave a positive long-term legacy, not just in terms of new transport infrastructure, but also in terms of improving the lives and prospects of our residents. It is therefore critical that the long-term benefits of HS2 are not outweighed by the present impact from HS2 works that residents experience daily."

Earlier this year HS2 celebrated the breakthrough of a tunnelling machine into its underground Old Oak Common station, marking a key milestone in plans to eventually carry the high-speed line into central London.

The tunnel boring machine (TBM) named Lydia finished its near-kilometre long journey into the station box in a move that completes the construction of the Atlas Road Logistics Tunnel.

The 853m long tunnel, which runs from the Atlas Road logistics hub, is being built to service the programme to construct the line eastwards towards Euston.

More details on HS2 works at Old Oak Common Station here on Nub News.