A neighbour of an HS2 construction depot says it is "hypocritical" of the government to allow employees to continue working on site during the coronavirus pandemic.

Alan Mitchell, 64, who lives in Denham Way, Maple Cross, says he has never supported the multi-billion pound high-speed railway, which involves building a new eight mile tunnel near Maple Cross.

Although he now "accepts" that the project is going ahead, he cannot understand why work at the depot near to his home has not been halted.

Mr Mitchell, who is a self-employed plumber, said: "I can hear machines all day long. You'd have thought the work would be halted during the coronavirus pandemic."

Mr Mitchell says he cannot see into the site because it is boarded up so he cannot say whether social distancing rules are being adhered to or not.

When asked whether he was still concerned even if social distancing was being properly carried out, Mr Mitchell said: "Yes, working at this site is a risk that is not needed. The money would be better spent on the NHS. This is not essential work.

"It is hypocritical of the government to telling everyone to stay indoors and then you've got this going on."

Yesterday, ministers gave the go ahead for the HS2 project to enter the construction phase.

HS2 Ltd was given approval to issue a notice to proceed to firms contracted to design and construct bridges, tunnels, embankments and viaducts for phase one between London and Birmingham - which includes the Chiltern Tunnel near Maple Cross.

HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said the government's main priority is combating the spread of coronavirus but "we cannot delay work on our long-term plan to level up the country".

He added: "This next step provides thousands of construction workers and businesses across the country with certainty at a time when they need it, and means that work can truly begin on delivering this transformational project."

Preparatory work at some HS2 sites remains paused following a review of what operations can be carried out in accordance with coronavirus guidance.

But government-owned HS2 Ltd said the four joint ventures will "start work immediately" on detailed designs, site preparation work and issuing sub-contracts.

The companies involved are applying conditions such as ensuring a minimum clearance between all personnel of two metres, having facilities for regular hand washing and single occupancy of all vehicles unless agreed in advance.

Phase one of HS2 was due to open in 2026, but it could be 10 years later before full services operate.

The scheme was officially given the green light by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in February despite the proposal running billions of pounds over budget - a review suggested it could cost as much as £106 billion.

HS2 Ltd were approached for further comment about the Maple Cross compound.