Member Article

Crossrail stalwart Gareth Epps appointed to settle HS2 disputes

The company behind the major HS2 infrastructure project has appointed a new independent commissioner who will be tasked with settling the inevitable disputes and dealing with complaints that arise as the project gets under way.

As Construction Commissioner, Gareth Epps, who was previously the senior community relations representative for Crossrail, will be in charge of dealing with any issues that cannot be satisfactorily resolved by HS2 Ltd’s complaints process.

Once underway next year, the controversial £42.6bn project is expected to cause significant disruption for communities in London and beyond.

Preparatory work on the new high speed line, which is one of the world’s largest infrastructure projects, is due to get underway at Euston Station at the end of the year amidst fears that Londoners in particular could be in for at least seven years of disruption.

In April, Camden Council petitioned the House of Lords for compensation for residents who is claimed who suffer problems right up until 2033.

Simon Kirby, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, said he recognised that people will be affected by the project and that today’s move was an attempt to ensure that people are treated fairly in any dispute.

He said: “Improving our approach to affected communities is at the very top of our priority list. We are continuously striving to refine our complaints handling and improve community engagement. The appointment of a Construction Commissioner is a key part of that process.

“We have recently made improvements to our complaints procedure and we aim to respond to any complaint in a fair and timely fashion but it is important that people can have their issue considered by an impartial party if they don’t feel it’s been satisfactorily resolved.”

Epps, who worked with Crossrail for nine years and also has ten years’ experience as a local councillor, will be chiefly responsible for mediating in unresolved disputes and small claims, as well as monitoring complaint trends in an effort the reduce the number of complaints HS2 Ltd receives as the project progresses.

Following his appointment, he said: “I’m looking forward to taking up this post. HS2 will be one of the largest infrastructure projects the UK has ever seen.

“Urban and rural communities will see construction and while HS2 Ltd and its contractors will take steps to minimise disruption, it is important that residents and businesses along the route know they can seek fair and independent resolution of complaints if necessary.”