A councillor has called the decision to give the HS2 high-speed rail link a green light “devastating”.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the “green signal” earlier this week in the House of Commons for the construction of the controversial high-speed rail to go ahead.

He said the decision showed the Government had the “guts” to deliver prosperity across the country.

But Phil Williams, councillor for Chorleywood South and Maple Cross, said the decision is not what people living in Maple Cross want.

Once HS2 is built it will see 1.4 miles of track just south of Maple Cross and near to West Hyde between a two mile viaduct over the Colne Valley.

Cllr Williams says that people living in the village are complaining daily about the plans - and that an industrial compound set-up in West Hyde is only causing "massive damage to the environment".

He said: "Up on the site they are moving millions of tons of soil which is creating dust from the earth removal and its causing huge pollution.

"I would only support HS2 if it was more environmentally friendly, it cost less money and there was less disruption.

"What is being done now is totally wrong. The decision for its go-ahead is just devastating.

"A better solution for HS2 overall is to go back to the drawing board and start again."

Cllr Williams added that the closure of Chalfont Lane due to the high speed rail line is only causing "massive disruption", with there being diversions down Woodland Road and Hornhill Road.

The decision for HS2 to be given the go-ahead confirms that the road is set to remain shut until early 2026.

Meanwhile Mark Keir, from Uxbridge, who is a protestor from the Stop HS2 campaign in Colne Valley, slammed the decision to give HS2 the go-ahead, calling it "absolutely ridiculous".

The 58-year-old said: "All HS2 is doing is ripping a part the environment and the costs are going to be horrendous.

"Why HS2 is being supported is beyond belief - we don't need this.

"We have still got lots of fight in us, HS2 is not affordable and we are going to fight this forever."

However, Boris Johnson hailed HS2 as "fantastic" for the whole country, saying it delivers a "massive increases in capacity for rail".

But the Prime Minister acknowledged that "cost forecasts have exploded" and criticised the company responsible for developing the high-speed railway.

"I cannot say that HS2 Ltd has distinguished itself in the handling of local communities," he told the Commons.

But he insisted that "poor management to date has not detracted from the fundamental value of the project".

Phase 1 between Euston and Birmingham was due to open in December 2026, but that has been delayed.

The current plan for the start of services is:

- Old Oak Common to Birmingham: 2029-31

- Euston to Birmingham: 2031-39

- Euston to Manchester and Leeds: 2037-40