Plans for a rail link between the Great Western Mainline and Heathrow Airport have been put on hold.

The long-awaited scheme would have enabled people living west of Heathrow to travel directly to the airport instead of having to travel to London.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Labour MP for Slough, said the project was “plagued by delays and funding problems” but still enjoyed “broad cross-party and local support”.

Network Rail, which has withdrawn its application for the rail link, has been asked for comment.

The project, which began in 2012, included plans for a 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) rail link that would allow trains from Reading and Slough to reach Heathrow through a tunnel.

Network Rail’s plans were put on hold in December 2020, reports the local democracy reporting service.

According to an announcement on the state planning authority’s website, a preliminary application process was withdrawn in May.

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced the cancellation and review of government projects on July 29, saying the Conservative government had made “unfunded commitments” worth £22 billion.

Projects cancelled included the A27 Arundel bypass and the Stonehenge Tunnel; the new hospital programme for Frimley Park and the Royal Berkshire Hospital were reviewed.

However, there is still hope that the project could become a reality.

Mr Dhesi, who held a debate on the Western Rail Link in Parliament in April, said he had been a “long-time supporter” of the project.

He set up the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Western Rail Link to Heathrow to ensure it “remains on the government’s agenda”.

Mr Dhesi added: “Since the Conservative Government promised to build it over a decade ago, this nationally significant infrastructure project has been plagued by delays and funding problems, but nevertheless enjoys broad cross-party and local support from businesses and residents.

“I know the new Labour Government will remain committed to economic growth and improving our infrastructure and rail links, while also tackling the climate crisis.

“I look forward to future discussions about how we can improve all transport services for my constituents in Slough.”