People affected by the new high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham will get a chance to have their concerns raised at a series of 25 community forums along the route.

The meetings are for invited people only and will include local groups, councillors, residents’ associations and environmental groups.

Alison Munro, pictured, chief executive of HS2 Ltd, said: “We believe the community forums are the best way for those affected by the line to meet and discuss the proposals with our engineers and environmental teams.

“We are working on the next stage of design and environmental assessment of the railway in preparation for a Bill next year.

“It is crucial to the success of the project that we get this right, and local input through these forums will be essential.”

The line cuts across the north-east corner of Oxfordshire between Finmere and Mixbury and skirts villages east of Banbury including Chipping Warden.

Anyone with concerns is urged to support their local councillor or group, or email community.forums@hs2.gsi.gov.uk