A CHILTERN action group has launched its own fundraising initiative to raise £15,000 to continue its fight against HS2.

The Chiltern Countryside Group (CCG) wants to raise the money to go towards a drive by local action groups to finance the cost of legal actions against the Government's decision to build the high speed rail line.

CCG Chairman Sue Yeomans said “Our commitment to opposing HS2 is unwavering and as one of the many groups fighting the scheme we want to play a part in fundraising. Many of our members have considerable experience on issues relevant to the HS2 decision and we will be bringing this experience to the legal team.

"Before we can do this, however, we have to secure the necessary funding and the CCG is looking to make a contribution of at least £15,000 in the next few weeks”.

Mrs Yeomans said the construction of the rail line would affect the whole region because of the scale of the project. Construction could begin from 2016.

She said: "Mini towns will be set up for the workforce and local roads are likely to be choked or diverted as bridges and viaducts are constructed.”

She added that it would not just be roads that were affected but also sections of both Chiltern railway lines, which she said will need to be closed for intervals where they will be crossed by HS2.

Mrs Yeomans said: “Euston station is to be the subject of a massive seven to eight year redevelopment as part of HS2 and it is hard to see how this can be done without enormous disruption. It is those who use the station for their daily commute, rather than the occasional inter-city traveller who will bear the brunt."

She said its construction will take at least £1,000 from every UK taxpaying family.

Mrs Yeomans added: "People have a choice - pay for HS2 now and over decades through taxes, property blight and losses in business - or pledge some of their own money immediately to help fund the legal process which could overturn the Government's decision.”

For information on how to add your support and make a donation either email info@chilterncountrysidegroup.org, call 01442 824832 or go to www.hs2aa.org.