Fight against Heathrow expansion gathers pace

7.50.33pm GMT Fri 28th Dec 2007

The fight against plans to expand Heathrow Airport is gathering pace with Richmond Council calling on residents to air their views at two public meetings.

The meetings follow the Government's announcement of plans for a third runway, a sixth terminal and the ending of runway alternation, all of which could increase flights by nearly 50 per cent. The Department for Transport is holding a second public exhibition of the proposals in the borough at Richmond Adult Community College, Parkshot Centre, Parkshot, on Friday, January 18 from 10am to 8pm. On the same day the Council is holding the first of its two public meetings, inviting residents to have their say on the proposals. It will be held at Duke Street Church, Duke Street, Richmond, starting 8pm. The second meeting will be held at Clarendon Hall, York House, on Tuesday February 12, starting 7pm.

Both meetings will be chaired by the Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Serge Lourie, and speakers will include John Stewart, chairman of aviation pressure group, Hacan Clearskies. The Council is leafleting all borough residents alerting them to the meetings and urging them to tell the Council their views about Heathrow expansion by responding to a questionnaire, which can also be completed online via www.richmond.gov.uk/heathrow

Cllr Lourie said: "The fight against Heathrow expansion is gaining momentum. An exit poll run by the Council at a recent consultation showed that 94 % of residents who took part thought the Government had made its mind up over its Heathrow plans and also the great majority felt that their lives would suffer personally if a third runway is built. The message we want to get across in 2008 is that airport expansion is not inevitable, despite the impression the Government gives. Along with our partner Councils in the 2M Group, we aim to do everything in our power to stop this development. We want to build the strongest possible case on environmental and economic arguments and we need residents to bombard the Government with their views. Our public meetings will be an ideal opportunity for local people to have their say and I urge as many people as possible to attend and to reply to our questionnaire when it drops through letterboxes shortly. "

The Government's consultation will last until February 27.