MP DAVID Lidington has added his voice to calls to lengthen the tunnel set to carry HS2 through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Aylesbury MP said he supported the growing campaign to make the tunnel through the Chiltern hills up to 10km longer.

Last week environmental groups said more than ten hectares of irreplacable Ancient Woodland could be saved by extending the tunnel past Great Missenden and on to Wendover.

In a 15,000 word response to HS2, Mr Lidington also called for improved mitigation to disguise an 18m high viaduct and to reduce noise pollution around Stoke Mandeville, Wendover and Aylesbury.

He submitted his views as part of the consultation into the HS2 Environmental Statement, which closed last week.

Mr Lidington said: "My response to the Environmental Statement consultation reflects my own views as well as those expressed to me by my constituents. I hope the Department for Transport and HS2 Ltd take note of the views expressed in responses to the consultation and commit to making changes to the design of scheme to reflect the views of those most affected by HS2."

His response to the consultation can be viewed by going to www.davidlidington.com.