A DEPOT for the London Tram, which will house 48 trams, a control room and office space for 300 staff, could be built in Hillingdon.

Transport for London (TfL) and the West London Tram Scheme is proposing three potential sites for the depot, and say that their preferred site is Uxbridge Road, Hayes.

A spokesman for TfL said: "TfL is proposing that the depot would be on a site south of Uxbridge Road between the Yeading Brook and the Grand Union Canal.

"TfL has examined a number of potential sites for the depot including the Southall Gas Works, which initially appeared to be a good location. However, having undertaken further work, and discussed options with the London Borough of Hillingdon and the Environment Agency in particular, TfL now believes that the site on the Uxbridge Road is more suitable."

TfL says a key factor in their preferred site is the reduced impact on the environment compared to the Southall Gas Works site. If that site is chosen, it would mean a long tramway would have to run through Minet Country Park.

A third option is the Uxbridge Road Retail Park, at the junction of Uxbridge Road and Springfield Road.

The depot would operate 24 hours a day, and TfL says there could be some noise activity early in the morning, as well as an open area which would be floodlit throughout the night.

A public consultation on the proposed sites for the depot began this week and local residents and businesses who could be affected can express their views on the plans. TfL are also hosting three roadshows where members of the project team will be on hand to discuss all aspects of the scheme.

A roadshow is being held next Tuesday, September 14, outside Sainsbury at the Lombardy Retail Park in Coldharbour Lane, Hayes.

This consultation ends on 8 October 2004.