THE Chilterns Conservation Board has become the latest group to call for an HS2 tunnel to be bored the whole length of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural.

The environmental group this week sent its petition to Parliament insisting the tunnel should be longer than the one currently proposed.

At the moment HS2 is set to cut through the AONB in a series of tunnels and cuttings - which campaigners say will cause huge environmental damage to the area.

MPs Cheryl Gillan and David Lidington have both also called for a full-length tunnel to be built through the Chilterns.

In its petition the Chilterns Conservation Board has also demanded no spoil from the tunnel excavation should be dumped in the Chilterns.

They have also said ancient lanes and roads through villages should be out of bounds for construction traffic, and any land used during construction should be returned to owners in a state fit for productive farming.

Board members could be called to give evidence before the HS2 Select Committee in the autumn.