Berlin officials travel to address issues and gather requirements
In a significant development, Peter Müller, the long-time spokesperson of the citizens' initiative Unsynn, has announced his resignation on Thursday. Müller has been a prominent figure in the Heidekreis, gaining attention for his successful eight-year fight against the construction of a new high-speed rail line between Hamburg and Hannover.
The resignation comes amidst ongoing discussions about Deutsche Bahn's plans for an ICE long-distance route between Hamburg and Hannover, specifically the route variant through the Horstfeld industrial area in Bispingen. Udo Schiefner, Chair of the Federal Transport Committee, will have a conversation with entrepreneurs, local politicians, and members of citizen initiatives, including Müller, in Bispingen on July 11th. The meeting will take place at Schumacher's Kartcenter.
Schiefner suggested this on-site exchange to hear about the concerns and worries caused by the plans. Müller believes that the overall situation is complex and that even the citizens' initiative cannot grasp the facts without the expertise of professionals and lawyers. He has pointed out that the draft Planning Acceleration Act mentions speeds of 300 km/h, which would only be possible on a newly built route, potentially making the negotiated compromise of the Schiene Nord dialogue forum void.
Müller's resignation has been met with disappointment, particularly by Christian Deppner of the citizens' initiative X through Y in the municipality of Brackel, who sees it as a disaster. Deppner states that Müller leaves a big void. Despite not yet finding a successor, Stephan Müller, the outgoing speaker of the citizen initiative Unsynn, has called for citizens' support in line with SPD leader Lars Klingbeil's commitment to the region.
Klingbeil has shown interest in the discussion, following a previous meeting with district representatives where the opposition to the route was clear. The Bundestag is expected to decide on this in the second half of the year after the specialist committee has discussed it. The railway is also offering alternative route suggestions through the villages.
Jens Bülthuis, Mayor of Bispingen, stated that the meeting was a positive step, expressing hope that the chances of preventing a new line through Bispingen could increase. Müller has expressed concerns about the economic impact on Bispingen due to outstanding construction projects. He had informed the council of his intention to step down a year ago, citing the heavy burden of voluntary work.
Lara Abels from Hützel has been secured as a supporter for social media work, but Müller is disappointed that he has not found a successor. The railway's goal of a new construction line from Hamburg to Hannover has been a goal for 30 years, according to Müller. The conversation on July 11th promises to be a crucial step in shaping the future of transport in the region.
