A new poll has revealed for the first time there are more people in support of Heathrow expansion today than opposed to it.

Of the 10,006 residents surveyed by Populus from 10 constituencies most likely to be affected by any changes, half those interviewed said they supported expanding Heathrow.

Of the 1,000 people in Feltham and Heston 57 per cent support expansion, in Brentford and Isleworth 52 per cent, in Ealing Central and Acton 53 per cent, in Uxbridge and South Ruislip 47 per cent, and in Hayes and Harlington 56 per cent.

The poll also found people rated additional jobs and apprenticeships as the top reasons for their support of airport expansion.

Other results showed 58 per cent of people felt positive about the airport, 35 per cent of people felt neutral about the airport with only seven per cent saying they had a negative feeling towards the it.

A total of 22 per cent of residents said they would be more likely to vote for a Parliamentary candidate if they support expansion and 17% said they are likely to vote for them if they oppose expansion. A considerable 61 per cent said it would have no impact.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow CEO said: "There is a growing consensus that expanding Heathrow is vital for the British economy.

"It will create 180,000 jobs up and down the country and keep Britain at the heart of the global economy.

"Now we can see that it is not only the right solution, it is also deliverable.

"With the majority of local residents backing expansion, the time has come to be ambitious and get on with it."

The research is expected to be the largest undertaken locally since the Airports Commission was formed.