Petitioners have taken their fight against Heathrow Airtrack to Downing Street.

More than 300 residents have expressed their concern over plans to build a train depot on the site of the former marshalling yards in Feltham.

Campaigners have said the conservation area, adjacent to Cygnet Avenue, Durham Road and Hereford Road, would become a polluting eyesore and neighbouring households would be disrupted by noise.

It led to them presenting a petition to Downing Street last week, which has been gaining support since October last year.

Alan Keen, MP for Feltham and Heston, said: “The residents who live around the area proposed to be used for the Airtrack trains and also additional trains from the existing South West Trains service have expressed their opposition to the plans.

“I support the residents wholeheartedly and will use any influence I have as their Member of Parliament to oppose the scheme.

“The residents of Feltham already have to cope with aircraft noise and they deserve much better than to have to suffer further environmental damage.

“It is important that South West Trains and Airtrack look for sidings well away from Feltham. We all understand the economic benefits of Heathrow but the disadvantages must be shared more equitably.”

The depot would be used to maintain and clean a fleet of trains. The area is currently home to many mammals, birds and butterflies and is enjoyed by walkers and fishermen.

It is a site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation and is one of London’s designated “Breathing Places”.

The Heathrow Airtrack proposals, promoted by BAA, are intended to improve public transport access to the airport and provide additional rail services.

The BAA consultation document acknowledges that a depot at Feltham marshalling yards would have environmental impacts.

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