Craig and Karen Douglas are still fighting for compensation from the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project in London that caused them to lose their business and home. Six years ago, the couple ran the Bree Louise pub in Euston which was regarded as one of the best in the area, winning awards such as pub of the year in 2016. They received an unspecified amount of compensation from HS2 Ltd, but it has now run out, and the couple has yet to settle the case. They say they have been subjected to “delaying tactics” and “nasty people” since raising their compensation claim.
The likely termination of HS2 at Euston, which is under review by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has become a cause of concern for the local community. The site has been dormant for two years, and plans at Euston are still subject to change. Craig believes the whole scheme has been a waste of time. The pub and house where his children grew up have been demolished, and he faces an uncertain future. The couple has since moved out of London to a more affordable area on the south coast, losing many of their Euston connections. The fight for compensation has also taken a toll on their health, prompting Craig to seek rehabilitation for alcoholism.
Despite the challenges of the past six years, the Douglases have not given up on their compensation claim. They claim that if they had received the same offer made now five years ago, they would have accepted it immediately. But the damage inflicted on their lives has been deep and long-lasting. They feel the memories of the pub, which they developed over the years, will never be taken away. They are hoping for a fair and equitable agreement that will enable them to build a new home and move on with their lives.
HS2, which was designed to link London Euston to the north via Birmingham, has been subject to considerable criticism over delays, costs, and environmental impact, and it has now been drastically scaled back. Most trains will only go from London to Birmingham, and funding for the London terminal at Euston is uncertain. While uncertainty remains, Craig and Karen will continue to struggle to make ends meet
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