CHILTERN residents have begun receiving letters from the Government saying their homes will be compulsorily purchased because of High Speed 2.

For some of the householders the Department for Transport letter is the first indication their home is affected by the line, Chiltern District Council said.

It also said many other residents who live near to the line and will be impacted, albeit it not directly, have yet to receive any communication from HS2 Limited.

Each letter stated that from HS2 Limited's 'own initial work the property that you own or occupy is within the proposed line of the route, and will need to be acquired by the scheme.'

Leader of Chiltern District Council, Councillor Nick Rose, said: "HS2 Limited is anxious to start acquiring properties now.

“Many of our residents have already been suffering uncertainty and blight since 2010; this is unacceptable.

“We are urging anyone who believes they might be affected by the proposed rail link to contact HS2 Limited as soon possible. Don't wait for a letter, get advice now and be careful what you agree to.

“We will be doing all we can to keep our residents informed about HS2 and will continue to fight hard against this misguided route which has no business, economic or environmental case."

If you have a query about HS2, call 020 7944 4908 or email HS2enquiries@hs2.gsi.gov.uk. If you want copies of the Government's booklets on compensation and compulsory purchase call 0300 123 1124 between 8am and 8pm or visit the Department for Communities and Local Government website - below.