HS2 battlers in 11th hour appeal to MPs

Villagers from Colton, Staffordshire, warn the £33 billion project will cost £1,700 per person in the UK and that its business case is deeply flawed.

In a letter to every MP, they slam the government's plan as a 'scandalous waste of money'.

MPs will vote on a 'paving' bill tomorrow which will release an unlimited amount of cash for preparation works for the high speed line, including the paying out of compensation.

Legislation to approve construction will be heard later in the year.

In the letter to MPs, David Leech, chairman of Colton Against HS2 action group, said: "While accepting the urgent need to upgrade the UK's ageing rail network, the imposition of an entirely new line which takes little account of this need is illogical.

"It is likely that, as resources are diverted to the construction and running of HS2, we shall see the progressive deterioration of existing local and intercity lines, many of which are in dire need of upgrading.

"This will seriously impact on the experience of the majority of rail users for whom a 15 minute decrease in travelling time to the capital is irrelevant."

Around 40 MPs are expected to rebel during tomorrow's vote – including Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy and Stone MP Bill Cash.

But Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, whose constituency is hit by both phases of HS2, will vote in favour despite being opposed to the project and even resigning the government whip to fight it. He said he would back the bill to release compensation payments to constituents but would reject laws giving permission for work to start if the line was not moved.

Among the trail of destruction left in the wake of HS2 is one of the country's oldest golf clubs and more than 160 wildlife species and special habitats which will be torn up as part of the first phase of the £33bn project.

The Victorian clubhouse at Whittington Heath Golf Club is earmarked for demolition, with the 250mph trains going through a minimum of eight holes of the 127-year-old course.

Nearly 150 acres of rare heathland will be torn up near Whittington Barracks and 129 acres of ancient woodland around Lichfield affected.