SOMETIME in my distant past, 1946 to be precise, I went to Liverpool with my mother to visit an aunt and uncle. The train stopped at High Wycombe and went all the way to Birkenhead. Then in 1957 I was told to report to the Royal Artillery camp at Oswestry to commence my military service, where the train stopped at Gobowen, and trucks took us to our destination.

At those particular times, there were four tracks through the station, and every so often an express train rushed through to points north. These disappeared at the time of Beeching [1960s to 1970s]! If there had been no cuts then there would possibly be fewer lorries etc, cluttering up the roads.

So now after Beeching we have a Government going full speed towards the HS2 at a cost of £30billion at a time when we are told we are all tightening our belts. Does Mr Cameron realise that this will impinge on the tranquillity of Chequers, his country retreat?

Going back to the express trains going through High Wycombe. If Beeching had left alone, there would be no need for HS2. Like many others I am against this costly and extravagant use of the countryside!

Dennis Biscoe, Elm Road, Booker, High Wycombe