West Drayton residents were due to speak out yesterday (Wednesday) against a road and rail freight depot which would bring freight trains rattling past their homes.

The proposed international depot at the junction of the M25 and the M4 in Colnbrook, Slough, would exchange freight between heavy goods vehicles and 775m freight trains using the Great Western Railway and the adjoining freight line running from Poyle.

The public inquiry into the plan, which started at the beginning of April, is expected to continue until July.

Ivan Zsoter, 68, of Fairway Avenue, set up Fairway Residents' Association to fight the plans, which he claims would bring 28 freight trains speeding past residents' homes every 24 hours ,, 18 at night.

'The roads are very busy at the best of times, and an international freight exchange would mean heavy goods vehicles filling up side streets,' he said.

'At night, we aren't going to get any sleep, and it will devalue our homes by £10,000.'

His campaign has the backing of Uxbridge MP John Randall, who said: 'This would be an environmental disaster for the entire area. It would destroy the quality of life for all residents and must be opposed.'

Steven Tullman, project director for the London International Freight Exchange planned by Piccadilly-based property developer Argent, said the project supported Government policy to reduce road congestion by moving freight onto trains. He added that acoustic barriers would be installed to protect homes from noise and vibration.

He said: 'This project will move 50 heavy goods vehicles off the road a day.'

A report of the public inquiry will be prepared around Christmas and it will take a year before a decision is finally made by the Secretary of State, he added.

If planning permission is granted, building of the depot will be phased over ten years.

To comment write to Argent at The Centre, Farnham Road, Slough, SL1 4YR, or contact programme officer Helen Wilson on 01753 787598.