Heathrow: 'Let battle commence' (From Hillingdon Times)

Heathrow: 'Let battle commence'

5:17pm Thursday 14th December 2006

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HEATHROW campaigners vowed there would be "the mother of all battles" if the Government goes ahead with plans for a third runway at Heathrow.

In the Progress Report on the 2003 Aviation White, published today (Thursday), the Government restated its view that it favoured a third runway at Heathrow if air pollution levels in the area could be kept within the legal limits set by the European Union.

But the introduction of a third runway would mean that at least 700 homes in Hillingdon would be lost and historic villages wrecked forever. Overall it is expected that the quality of life for more than two million people will be irreparably damaged if the Government goes ahead with its plan for a third runway.

Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said: "The detrimental effects of a third runway at Heathrow are immense. Our residents already deal with the environmental impacts of having Heathrow on their doorstep, for example pollution levels in the villages around the airport currently exceed EU guidelines.

"We appreciate that the airport is a large regional employer and has international status but if you include the environmental costs of aviation, the 'economic benefit' soon turns to deficit. The Government needs to play fair by the two million people in the communities affected by aircraft noise and pollution."

Tony Douglas, CEO BAA Heathrow, said: "We welcome the Government's confirmation that the expansion of Heathrow, which is so vital to the health of the British economy, is necessary provided that tough environmental standards can be met.

"Heathrow expansion will only go ahead if local environmental impacts can be mitigated. That means no more noise than in 2002, all air quality pollution safely within EU limits and public transport improvements to improve congestion."

John Stewart, chair of campaign group HACAN ClearSkies, said: "This progress report has been dictated by the aviation industry and carefully copied down by Douglas Alexander and his faithful sidekick, Aviation Minister Gillian Merron.

"At Heathrow we can't wait to take Alexander and Merron on. They will face the mother of all battles. Most of the area's MPs and all the local authorities and residents' groups are opposed to further expansion at Heathrow.

"HACAN members are planning more direct action training sessions next year and I know we will be joined by young environmentalists from the direct action organisation Plane Stupid who see a third runway at Heathrow as the line in the sand' in their fight against climate change. Let battle commence."

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