RUISLIP Residents' Association has refused to oppose High Speed Two (HS2), despite warnings that its neutrality could compromise the local campaign.

Councillors and the association's own members have written to the group's chairwoman, Joan Davis, urging her and the committee to take a firm stance on the rail route, which the government intends to build through Ruislip.

But Ms Davis has said the association will wait until the end of the consultation period before deciding whether to join the opposition campaign.

She told the Gazette: "We don't have a position because it is early days and there is a public consultation ahead.

"This is a national issue that will be decided on national grounds, so if we oppose HS2 it needs to be on national grounds.

"Some members are very emotional

about this and we will do everything in our power to help them if HS2 goes ahead. Those affected should get compensation now without having to apply for it."

Ms Davis, of College Drive, Ruislip Manor, received a letter from Councillor Douglas Mills (Con), with the support of all Manor and West Ruislip ward councillors, urging the association to come down off the fence.

Ms Davis responded: "We are mindful that although there is very vocal

local opposition to HS2, there are others of our members who believe there is a case for Great Britain to strengthen its rail network and that the national interest should be supported.

"It would of course be hypocritical to approve HS2 providing it is routed somewhere else."

RRA will hold a meeting next Wednesday at which it will listen to the concerns of those among its member-ship who are affected.

Lottie Jones, of Ruislip Against HS2, said: "It is bizarre.

"Their mission statement is to support residents but I don't think it helps at all when a lot of their members are angry about this.

"This is an enormous issue for Ruislip and they don't seem to be taking it seriously."

Both Ickenham and South Ruislip Residents' Associations have made known their opposition to HS2.