Protesters in 10-mile Staffordshire trek against HS2

Campaigners against HS2 will stage a 10-mile march in Staffordshire on Sunday in their latest bid to have the controversial £42 billion project ditched.

moreThe route will take protesters across land that will be taken out by the rail scheme before releasing 73 helium balloons at sunset.

The number is a symbolic reference to last week's news that the high-speed track could cost as much as £73 billion, according to latest Treasury predictions.

Three action groups – from Kings Bromley, Colton and The Ridwares – have united for the protest. Later 400 balloons will be released as part of a fundraising race.

Campaigner Anthony Sutton, from Colton, said: "There are many people in these villages whose farms will be destroyed by the scheme, it will be impossible for them to operate.

"We hope that the march, along paths not normally open to the public, will really open people's eyes as to the beautiful countryside that this idiotic plan is going to destroy."

Sunday's march will start at Woodend Farm in Kings Bromley at noon and pass through Pipe Ridware, Blithbury and Stockwell Heath, reaching The Greyhound pub in Colton at around 6.30pm. The money raised will help to fund an appeal at the Supreme Court after objectors' latest attempt to derail the plan was rejected in July.