Local communities are being invited to submit their views over a proposed new rail link to connect the Great Western Main Line to London Heathrow Airport from the West.

Plans for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow involve leaving the Great Western Main Line between Langley and Iver via a short stretch of open railway before entering a new 5km tunnel. The tunnel would pass under Richings Park and Colnbrook and then join existing rail lines underground at Heathrow Terminal 5.

While the majority of the proposed rail link is underground, Network Rail said the new tunnel would require up to five access buildings above ground along the route, with two of these buildings also providing ventilation.

This latest round of consultation builds on the previous 1,000 responses received during two previous rounds of public engagement and consultation in 2015 and 2016.

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Overall, the scheme aims to reduce journey times and ease congestion on roads, as well as bringing economic growth and new jobs into the Thames Valley and surrounding areas.

Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail's Western route, said: "We have been working hard to refine our proposals as a direct result of the feedback we received. The updated plans would have the least impact on the environment and would deliver the fastest journey times.

"We're also conscious of the impact on local communities so we've worked hard to make sure our plans work with other developments, such as transport or industry projects, in the area. We would like to hear views on our updated proposals before applying for consent to build the new link."

From 11 May, the detailed proposals will be published online at www.networkrail.co.uk/heathrow and in local venues (including specified Council offices and libraries). There will then be 18 consultation events in and around the local area to enable local people to find out more, ask questions and express their views. It will be possible to respond to the consultation online, by email or in writing via a freepost feedback form.

Following on from the consultation. Network Rail said it plans to submit an application for a Development Consent Order in 2019.

(LM/MH)