The proposed tram route

Another meeting is due to be held at Filton High School next Monday evening.

Meanwhile, freight trains are returning to old lines along Bristol Gorge to Portbury Docks, on the south side of the River Avon.

The route will open be officially opening on 21 December, bringing it back into use for the first time in just over 20 years.

The scheme has cost �23m and was funded by the government and the Bristol Port Company.

Freight drivers are currently being taken along the re-opened route to familiarise themselves with the line.

Simon Hall, the deputy regional manager of English, Welsh and Scottish Railways, the freight railway service, said: "There are various signals and track layouts that they need to be familiar with, so we're doing three round-trips a day until the New Year.

"We're training our drivers and also drivers from Birmingham, south Wales and Bristol."

Huge difference

Freight on the route will start with coal trains in January.

After that, freight companies will be looking at transporting other commodities, including cars, containers, steel and probably timber.

The average train will weigh 2,000 tons and initially there will be seven trains a day.

Patrick Kearon of the Bristol Port Company said: "We're looking forward to the opening after years of planning and preparation.

"It's going to make a huge difference to our customers, many of whom have been investing in rail terminals around the country.

"Over a longer distance it's significantly cheaper for them to run freight over rail, and that's what we want to be able to offer them."

Road benefits

The re-opened rail route will also have advantages for motorists.

Half a million vehicles cross Bristol every working day.

Patrick Kearon said: "In time, roads will be freed up and will see a significant benefit."

The lines might be used for passenger services in the future if passenger train companies show interest.