DAMAGE limitation must now be the focus for businesses after High Speed 2 was approved, says Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce.

The organisation, part of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, said the Government's decision has met with disappointment and anger.

A chamber debate on HS2 last year found 87 per cent of delegates were against it and 92 per cent voted against the proposed route plan.

The Government says it is vital to help rebalance the UK economy and aid growth in northern cities but the chamber disagrees.

Alastair Pike, President, Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce said: “This is disappointing but not surprising given the apparent reluctance to focus on the key cost and environmental issues.

“Residents and businesses within Buckinghamshire must now focus on damage limitation and where possible ensure that benefits can be derived to offset the negative impact on both local rail services and commuter costs.”

Clair Prosser, Policy Executive, Thames Valley Chamber, said: “We believe that the national priority should be improved digital infrastructure and from a Thames Valley perspective, western access to Heathrow.

“The announcement and confirmation of tunnelling throughout sections of the Chiltern Hills still left our members unconvinced of the scheme in its entirety.”

The chamber has written a summary of the key reasons for objecting to HS2: • HS2 is unaffordable and the wrong priority for the UK

• Business or environmental case is not justified

• There are better, more affordable alternatives to improving our railways

• Construction would cause a high level of disruption

• HS2 would have no significant impact on closing the regional divide

• Travel is reducing due to technology (e.g. video conferencing & internet use)

• The transport network will eventually reach capacity, lead times are so long for construction, planning needs to take place now

• Investment should be made in high-return projects, not just rail

• HS2 would cause damage to the environment and tourism

• 75% of new jobs created would be in London • High speed travel is not really necessary, the proposed 250mph means no immediate stops, no tunnels and no curves, 20 minutes faster to Birmingham is not necessary

• The station would be outside the centre of Birmingham, adding to perceived travel time

• The UK’s east/west connectivity needs to be put first

• Likely cost (based on previous infrastructure projects such as Channel Tunnel) will be more than £100m which this country cannot afford.

• The blight to the Chilterns and Buckinghamshire is an important issue particularly for those with houses near or over the tunnels