COUNCILS have warned that the proposed Central Railway link could cause huge environmental damage in South Bucks.

This stark message is contained in a report presented to the Strategic Rail Authority by the 16 councils in the Local Authorities' Central Railway Consortium (LACRC).

Central Railway aims to create a 672km long freight railway that will carry lorries on trains between North-West England and France, via the Channel Tunnel.

The report points out that huge environmental damage could be caused by the scheme, which will go through Bucks, and points out that the quality of life of thousands will be diminished. It also argues that the scheme contravenes Green Belt regulations and claims the project could cost £8 billion much more than Central Railway estimate.

Cllr Trevor Egleton, leader of South Bucks District Council and chairman of the consortium, warned: "This scheme has been around for almost a decade, yet it still raises more questions than answers.

"We all want to see freight moved from roads on to trains. However, councils are simply not convinced that a scheme that is isolated from the rest of the rail network can provide the benefits claimed by Central Railway.

"The project has the capacity to cause enormous damage to the environment and quality of life and we are disappointed that the promoters have been unable to respond to so many of the concerns raised."

A spokesman for Central Railway said: "We are going to listen carefully to what all local authorities say.

"Leading rail consultants have said that the project is valid. Also, that it will lead to a reduction in environmental pollution and take lorries off the roads is of benefit to the environment.

"There will be plenty of time for consultation."