Heathrow rail link 'would stop ridiculous routes'

The plans for the expanded, three-runway Heathrow were unveiled in the summer

An MP has said a rail link between Reading and Heathrow Airport would help end "ridiculous" long-winded journeys.

The project, which would provide a link between the two with a stop in Slough, was put on hold indefinitely in 2020.

The UK's biggest airport unveiled its £49bn expansion and modernisation plan in the summer and a potential third runway has been backed by the government.

A Heathrow spokesperson said it was "proud" of promoting sustainable travel to and from the airport, with 45% of journeys made by train, bus or tube.

Slough's Labour MP Tan Dhesi said the lack of connectivity between Berkshire and the wider South West to Heathrow made no sense.

"We have got people coming from Wales and the South West [to go to Heathrow]," he said.

"They are having to get off either at Reading [to change at the town's train station] or then catch a coach or a bus to travel to Heathrow.

"It's absolutely ridiculous. It's not effective, it's not efficient and it's not environmentally friendly. This would benefit not just my Slough constituents but 20% of the UK population."

Airport bosses said in August the site's expansion was "urgent" and that it was working at capacity "to the detriment of trade and connectivity".

Dexter Smith, Slough Borough Council's Conservative leader, said: "It's not just a third runway. This is an increase in the size of Heathrow Airport of 50%.

"The government should grab it by the horns and make it a condition that if the airport expansion goes ahead there should be a western rail connection as well."

A Heathrow spokesperson said: "We remain committed to making journeys to Heathrow easier and more sustainable.

"That's why we're continuing to explore options for a new rail link from the west, which would offer faster, direct connections from the West of England and South Wales to the airport.

"We're pleased to be part of the national conversation on future transport plans and will keep working with our partners to improve rail connections that support local communities and help the UK grow."