RESIDENTS campaigning against High Speed Two were disappointed not to see the Prime Minister at the rally in Great Missenden yesterday, after he was in the area the night before.

David Cameron went to the Great Missenden C of E Combined School's Fireworks Display on Saturday night and when spotted by one of the children was given an invitation to the rally held at Buryfields at 2pm, organised by HS2 Action Alliance.

About two thousand people gathered to hear the latest developments in the Government's proposals to build a high speed line from London to Birmingham and listen to speakers including MPs Cheryl Gillan and David Lidington.

A play by the Great Missenden schoolchildren stole the show and Mrs Gillan said it should be taken to Westminster.

Buckinghamshire county councillor Martin Tett said:”I am told David Cameron was actually here last night in Great Missenden. I came to the fireworks display. He actually saw how beautiful the area is. He was handed an invitation by one of the children- inviting him to come today.

“What he would have seen is the strength of feeling shown by everybody here and all the thousands who couldn't make it here today. I really think he should have been here to hear the strength of feeling.”

Speaking afterwards MP for Aylesbury David Lidington said: “I don't think the Prime Minister is in any doubt about the strength of feeling. I think he is aware of that and I am sure that people will be letting him know.”

The preferred route would cut through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Buckinghamshire.

Chesham and Amersham MP Mrs Gillan said the community need to all work together to make a robust case against the proposals.

She added: “What is the point of calling this area an area of outstanding natural beauty and then building a High Speed Rail across the Chilterns- across the widest part.”

David Lidington said: “The rally today is a powerful demonstration of the depth of public opposition throughout the length of this route to what is being proposed, and quite rightly. “

He said they are coming towards a crucial stage which will be followed by a public consultation which will start very early on.

In 2011 He said they need to make a strong case against it using professional people. He added: “We must stand together in trying to ensure that the landscape we see around is today is preserved for the next generation.”

Hilary Wharf from HS2 Action Alliance spoke about the progress of the group. They said they have been working on the compensation and business case but she said they need money to keep the campaign going.

Shirley Judges from the Chiltern Conservation Board, John Gladwin, from the Chiltern Society, Felicity Simpson and Edward Ward also spoke. Go to www.hs2actionalliance.org for details.

The noise of the train was played to the audience, but due to health and safety reasons, they could not play it at full volume.