THIS weekend protesters aim to step up the fight against High Speed 2 and deliver a clear message to the Government.

Conservative Minister Cheryl Gillan will be among speakers at public rally in Great Missenden on Sunday.

The campaign against the £33bn plans – which will cut through the heart of Buckinghamshire's countryside – have been gathering pace with more high profile names coming out against it.

Business leaders such as Simon Wolfson, Chief Executive at Next, and ex-Chancellor Nigel Lawson recently added their weight to the 'no' campaign.

They signed a letter, along with 19 other commerce chiefs recently, branding the scheme “an extremely expensive white elephant”.

Next week, the Government's official HS2 'roadshows' are coming to the village.

The events, which give residents a chance to question those behind the project, are part of a public consultation.

Householders have been urged to tell the Government what they think by taking part.

Great Missenden villager Agnes Fletcher, one of the rally organisers, said: “I think the main purpose is to help other people understand what they can say in response to the Government that's going to be most effective.

“This is the chance for people to hear the latest on the business and environment case.

“I think it's absolutely essential that people to turnout if they are against High Speed 2.

"They need to be there to show their support and to send a very strong message to Government that people are not happy about it and don't believe the arguments stack up.”

The noise of a high speed train will be demonstrated at the rally and Great Missenden School pupils will perform a poem.

The meeting is being organised by HS2 Action Alliance, Chiltern Ridges HS2 Action Group and Great Missenden Stop HS2 Campaign Group.

Mrs Fletcher added: “I think the feeling is growing beyond those people who are directly affected.

"More and more transport commentators are saying that it doesn't make sense.”

Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan, the Chesham and Amersham MP, who has vowed to oppose HS2, will speak on Sunday.

However, Mrs Gillan has been under pressure to resign from the Coalition Cabinet from political opponents, in order to make a true stand against HS2.

She has said she is better placed to win the argument from within Government.

The rally will take place on Great Missenden Church of England School playing fields at 2pm.