A proposed rail freight line will be diverted away from Ealing following concern it would cause great disruption, it has been revealed.

New track would have been laid following the existing Chiltern Line which runs through Northolt, Perivale, Hanger Lane and North Acton. Central RailwayÍs plans would have sent up to six huge freight trains an hour in each direction on the new route from Liverpool to Lille in France. Opponents of the scheme claimed it would cause disruption during its five-year construction and the noise of trains up to a kilometre long running day and night would be unbearable.

But the company will soon announce it has opted for an alternative route following the M25 anti-clockwise around London instead of running through the city.

A company spokesman confirmed it has decided to abandon its original plans following the results of public consultation about the M25 alternative last year. An official announcement is expected next month.