IF YOU think Crossrail can be of little benefit to this area, its supporters want you to think again.

The £16billion project, just approved by the Government, will for the first time allow anyone travelling from Hayes and Harlington or West Drayton stations to cross London to, say, Liverpool Street station or points further east without changing.

Work will begin in 2010 and is scheduled for completion in 2017. The line will run from Maidenhead in Berkshire to Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in east London.

Debbie Leacock, who lives in Clayton Road, Hayes, close to Hayes station, said: "I think it will be a great service to have. Years ago, when I used to travel into London for work, I remember how poor the service was, which can put people off working in London.

"And if it is easier for people to get into London it may even attract more people to come and live in this area.

"However, I'd really like to see the council do more to help with the parking problems we have here because of commuters."

Councillor John Oswell, who represents Pinkwell ward on Hillingdon Council, said: "There is no service which currently runs from east to west, so this will offer a great way of getting into London.

"At present, commuters from Hayes and Harlington get the London-Paddington and then change, but Crossrail will make it easier for people to get into central London."