AN alternative route for the controversial HS2 project was put forward by a shadow cabinet minister this week - sparking more outrage in the county.

The proposals put forward by Labour's Transport Secretary Maria Eagle on Monday have placed the line further south than the preferred route.

Her route would go past Heathrow Airport and follow the M40 more closely - but would pass within close proximity to Princes Risborough.

Members of the town's council reacted with horror to the news, with Mayor Eunice Clifford saying she feels campaigns protesting against the project are in vain.

She told the Bucks Free Press: "My opinion is we're not going to be able to stop it whatever. If the politicians say it will go through, it will go through. The voice of the people is not being heard.

"I don't agree with it for one minute. It's absolutely abominable and i think it's going to be a massive, massive mistake."

Asked how the new proposals would affect Princes Risborough, Cllr Clifford said: "My reaction was 'horror of horrors', but I feel sorry for the people wherever it's going to go. It's going to destroy a lot of people's lives. A lot of homes will have to go - it will cause one hell of a lot of upset.

"The whole thing is completely farcical. What difference is that railway going to make to the people of this country? What industry is it going to create? Absolutely nothing.

"If there's money to do that in this present economic time, I think someone's telling lies with these cutbacks."

Former Mayor Alan Turner said: "My position throughout has been that I'm opposed to HS2 and the other variations passing through the Chilterns.

"It's a ridiculous amount of money to be spending at a time of austerity on something that will become a white elephant.

"I'm completely outraged with the whole project. I don't think it should be going through the Chilterns at all. They should be looking at upgrading existing tracks.

"There will be years and years of disruption throughout the Chilterns - it would be a disaster."