MINISTERS have been put on the back foot after two mistakes in letters from HS2 Ltd.

One caused hundreds of people to fear that their properties could be disrupted for almost four years, after one letter mentioned '203 weeks'. The letter, sent to 140 addresses, should have said 'two to three weeks', and is being attributed to a drafting error.

The heat of protests has been increased by another letter sent just before Christmas, which is said to have warned more than 15,000 households that they could be affected by compulsory purchase orders to make way for HS2.

It appears that such orders will be required in just over 300 cases, and that the occupiers concerned had already been notified. HS2 Ltd said the 15,000 letters were 'a legal requirement'.

A spokesman added: "The works on National Grid lines in Aylesbury will take place over a two- to three-week window. Unfortunately, residents were led to believe the works would take place over 203 weeks. In response to this, HS2 has made proactive efforts to visit the 140 residents to explain the true nature and extent of the works. We hope the situation is now resolved."

However, Foreign Office minister David Lidington, part of whose Aylesbury constituency lies on Phase 1 of the route between London and the West Midlands, said he was 'astonished and very angry' that the Government had been 'spreading unnecessary fears' about the scheme, which will be led by new chairman David Higgins from April when he stands down from his present post as chief executive at Network Rail.

In an exclusive article in the January print edition of Railnews. Mr Higgins said: "Today, Network Rail is a much more open and transparent company than even three years ago. This is helping us become safer, more efficient, more responsive and more accountable to our stakeholders, whether that’s politicians, train operators, passengers or lineside neighbours."

The issue of accountability at HS2 Ltd is now causing official concern after the recent errors, and the gaffes are known to be worrying transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin in particular.

A source close to Mr McLoughlin was quoted by The Guardian as saying: "His view is that everyone involved with HS2 needs to understand how sensitive such matters are for those affected and ensure they always act accordingly."

The source added: "When Patrick heard about the error in the letter HS2 Ltd sent to some of David Lidington's constituents, he made it clear it was totally unacceptable and must not happen again."