Vince Cable

The controversial Airtrack proposal will be published this week leading to a formal application by BAA to the Secretary of State on 24 July and a separate planning approval. Airtrack will, if and when completed, provide a fast route from Heathrow to Waterloo stopping (on present plans) at Twickenham and Richmond.

There are reservations in Twickenham about the impact on commuter services (and on level crossings in Richmond by Susan Kramer MP). Vincent Cable MP said: "In principle a new fast service linking the Borough to the Airport and central London must be in our interests. But we need reassurance that local services are not being compromised for BAA's benefit."