CAMPAIGNERS got a first glimpse of the West Ruislip tunnel plan at the latest HS2 community forum and did not like what they saw.

Or failed to see – during a tetchy meeting in which HS2 engineers struggled to explain their plans for the section from Northolt to the viaduct, hampered by maps that were too small and their unfamiliarity with the area,

“We need a much better map circulated, like, tomorrow, because we are all going away from here tonight and we are clueless,” said Keri Brennan, chairman of Ruislip Against HS2.

Campaigners have serious concerns about the breadth and quality of information HS2 provides for its forums. But last week it undertook to circulate plans, where practicable, in advance, and keep forum members better informed by email.

The civil engineer for the double-bore tunnel that will emerge close to Ruislip golf club then unveiled the latest drawings. They showed a tunnel portal which comes with a ‘headhouse’ for services and electricals, just west of Ickenham Road where Ruislip Rifle Club now stands.

Thereafter, the route will be ‘green tunnelled’ – a form of cut and cover tunnel that keeps trains underground for another hundred metres or so – before a deep cutting with noise reducing slats across its first section.

A gently rising track must then negotiate the River Pinn before the viaduct begins, in the region of Harvil Road, Harefield.

Representatives of residents’ groups and anti-HS2 groups gathered at the Barn Hotel in Ruislip on Wednesday last week wanted to know why the tunnel could not be extended almost to the viaduct, saving them from noise. HS2 says this is simply how the engineers of Arup envisage this section for now.

The problem that confronts all sides – and something the campaigners say renders all ‘tunnel issues’ moot – is the route of the Heathrow spur, due to be announced shortly by transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

He is said to be considering including the air transport consultation in his thinking, something that could affect the spur route.

Campaigners also tried to get HS2 Ltd to admit a construction site for the tunnel would be on Ruislip golf course, but its representatives said no location had been decided.