I write with reference to the letter from Bob Johnston my local councillor (Oxford Mail, June 8) commending the building of the HS2 railway, from London to Birmingham.

I was surprised to read it, as I always believed him to be a keen conservationist. After all, He has fought to preserve the Radley Lakes and has always defended our local green belt.

He mentions the issue of noise and intrusion, but what about the destruction of the beautiful countryside, and the lovely villages that the high speed trains will pass through, all for the sake of reaching your destination 30mins earlier?

What are the rail travellers going to do with that precious time they have saved? Probably stand in a queue for a bus or taxi.

No, it is not worth the cost to the environment.

Jenny Davie, Foxborough Road, Radley