A primary school in a Warwickshire village is set to shrink its capacity, with local politicians and residents pointing the finger at the ongoing disruption caused by the HS2 rail project.
School Intake Slashed from 2027
Warwickshire County Council confirmed last month that it would begin a consultation on reducing pupil numbers at Water Orton Primary School. The plan will see the school's annual intake cut from 45 pupils to just 30, starting in 2027.
North Warwickshire and Bedworth's Labour MP, Rachel Taylor, directly linked the proposed reduction to the high-speed rail line. She stated that families are actively "moving away because of the ongoing disruption" linked to the construction work.
A Village Divided Over the Cause
Speaking to local media, residents in Water Orton expressed mixed views on why the school is shrinking. Felicitas Freeman, who lives opposite the HS2 site on Attleboro Lane, acknowledged there may be multiple factors but emphasised the project's impact.
"It can't be denied that people are moving away from the village and properties are taking longer to sell," she said. "Who would want to come to this village right now? You have nauseating smell, dust and noise here."
Mother Helen Carlill, whose children attend the school, said it was the "only reason" she remains in her home. "I know people who want to move because of the dust and the smell," she added, noting it has dominated community conversation.
However, not everyone agrees. Gill Smith, who has a grandson at the school, was sceptical about claims of an exodus. "I have never heard of people moving out of the village, so I'm not sure where that has come from," she commented.
MP Presses HS2 for Action on Disruption
MP Rachel Taylor detailed the issues she says are driving people out. She reported a high volume of cases from constituents affected by dust, foul odours, severe traffic from road closures, and problems with compensation claims.
"The proposal to reduce pupil numbers at Water Orton School highlights the damage HS2 is inflicting on our community," Taylor said. "I’m pressing HS2 for stronger action to address the harm they are causing."
In response, a spokesperson for HS2 Ltd stated they are working to reduce disruption and highlighted that the rebuilding of Water Orton Primary School in 2020 was funded by HS2. They also noted agreements to fund road repairs and the use of dedicated access routes to keep construction traffic off local roads.
The spokesperson addressed the odour complaints, linking them to lime used to stabilise material from the nearby Bromford tunnels, a process they say is not hazardous. "Excavation of the Bromford tunnels was completed last month," they added, "and we're now taking steps that will help to reduce or eliminate the smell."
