AROUND 500 people gathered on Coombe Hill yesterday morning with an eight foot white elephant and huge banners to protest against HS2.

The campaigners met at two different starting points including Wendover High Street at 10am, before walking to the top the hill to make their point.

Banners were unfurled on the hill which overlooks the Prime Minister's Chequers residence to highlight the cost of the scheme during the Wendover White Elephant Walk.

One of the organisers, Peter Littlewood, said: “We honestly didn't know how many people we were going to get- the only feedback we had was on Facebook.

“We were pleased with the turnout but we always want more. It is a shame people don't get involved. We are very pleased with the people who did come and support us.”

Boris Johnson, who has recently spoken about his concern about HS2, David Cameron, MPs David Lidington and John Bercow were all invited but did not come as they had prior engagements.

The proposed route will cut directly through Buckinghamshire's countryside heartland and protesters say it will be a white elephant.

The estimated cost of the line is £33bn. Trains would travel at 225mph every few minutes.

Mr Littlewood added: “It is not just about us and the countryside. It is the whole thing. The money being spent at a time when we apparently don't have any- with the loss of policemen, fighting to keep our libraries open.”

He said a white elephant is a back-handed gift to people you do not really like as it is a sacred creature which cannot be used for work, but still needs to be looked after.

He added: “It is an expensive gift that you can't use. It seems like a good symbol for HS2.”

Clive Smith took part in the walk. He said: “I think it stinks. I live in the Misbourne Valley and I walk over there all week with my dogs. We would like to leave it as it is for my grandchildren.”

He said the project is going to cost more than the estimated £33bn by the time it is finished and the country cannot afford it.

Members from GASP, who are against the stadium proposals in High Wycombe, also attended.

Linden Porter, of Lane End, said: “It is the same reason, it is the Green Belt. We are just beginning to talk to each other.”

She added: “It is not necessary. HS2 is going to not knock much time off. Has life got to that point where 20 minutes matters?”

Mr Littlewood said Wendover HS2 is asking people to fill out the consultation forms. For help on how to do this he said to go to www.wendoverhs2.org.