PEOPLE in Hillingdon will have their say on a proposed third runway for Heathrow as the council starts a referendum this week.

The poll will be conducted from Sunday until May 16 and will also ask if people want more flights to and from the airport.

Richmond Council is running a similar poll and the results will be announced on the same day.

Hillingdon leader Raymond Puddifoot said: “This council is totally opposed to the proposed third runway at Heathrowt. The best line of defence is the environmental impact a new runway would have on the area, the resulting increased noise emissions and air pollution levels, and the effects on the environment in general, which are unacceptable.”

Though the poll is called a referendum, the result will not be binding, since the final decision on a third runway will be taken by the Government.

The Prime Minister has ruled out a decision on Heathrow until after the next general election and has been against expansion in the past.

A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Hillingdon is conducting a referendum on an outdated proposal, which is not being advocated by Heathrow and which was ruled out by the Government in 2010.

"If, in due course, the Airports Commission recommends expansion at Heathrow, then that would be the appropriate time to seek the views of Hillingdon residents.”

Registered voters in the borough will receive a ballot paper by post, showing a unique reference number which can be used to vote online.

Votes can also be cast by post or by dropping off the completed paper at libraries and council receptions.

Under existing plans, the villages of Sipson and Harmondsworth would largely be demolished, while Harlington would sit right at the tip of the new runway.

Hillingdon Council has long opposed the third runway and is running a poster campaign asking the public to vote against expansion.

For more information, go to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/haveyoursay