CAMPAIGNERS against the HS2 project are looking to raise £100,000 to launch a legal appeal against the result of a Judicial Review into the scheme.

They were granted leave to appeal by a High Court judge earlier this month over the environmental aspect of the controversial high speed railway line, which would cut through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Already donations have been rolling in to the South Heath-based HS2 Action Alliance to help them meet their target, with the Amersham Action Group saying it will donate £10,000 towards the cost of the Court of Appeal case.

Campaigners say the amount raised so far is a reflection of the level of opposition to HS2 that still exists, despite nine of their ten points of objection being rejected by the recent Judicial Review.

Hilary Wharf of the HS2 Action Alliance said: "There are various people up and down the line who are already putting money into our legal fund bank account. It's got off to a good start.

"People are prepared to support it and take it to the next stage through the legal process.

"The fight is certainly not over. We are working hard to be able to raise the money for the appeal."

She added people who would potentially be affected by the next phase of the line north of Birmingham had been amongst those to donate to the cause.

Nigel Shepherd of the Amersham Action Group said campaigners felt they had a good case after a previous success at the High Court.

Judge Mr Justice Ouseley said the Department for Transport's consultation over compensation for those affected by the route of the line was unlawful, which protestors hailed as a major success.

And Mr Shepherd said: "On the environmental impact we really do feel we have an incredibly strong case to take forward.

"The judge has given leave for appeal, which he didn't have to do. It's not rare but it's not usual.

"We're delighted we've had the success on the compensation but there's still all to play for."

The HS2 Action Alliance has been set a deadline of the end of May for receiving donations to fund the appeal hearing. For more information email treasurer@hs2actionalliance.org.