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THE fight against a third runway at Heathrow received a boost last week when the Mayor of London agreed to give £80,000 to campaigners.

The money, which follows a deal with the Green Party on the London Assembly, will be spent on projects to highlight the health, noise and economic impacts of aviation expansion.

These were developed by campaigning groups HACAN ClearSkies and No Third Runway Action Group (NOTRAG), which are leading the efforts against Heathrow expansion. The research will be carried out during the course of this year.

The announcement was part of a £22million package of investment to improve the capital's environment.

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone said: "I am not persuaded by the arguments for a third runway at Heathrow airport because of the damage it will do to London's environment and the impact on many west London residents.

"The research that will be undertaken will provide detailed information on the impacts of a third runway on air quality, carbon emissions and Londoners' quality of life."

Darren Johnson, Green Party member of the London Assembly, said: "A third runway at Heathrow would have devastating impacts in terms of noise, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. We are delighted to have secured an agreement with the Mayor to fund projects that will demonstrate the case against Heathrow expansion quite clearly."

John Stewart, chairman of HACAN ClearSkies, added: "This money will be hugely important in our fight against airport expansion at Heathrow. It means we can commission serious research to challenge the arguments given for more expansion."

Geraldine Nicholson, chairwoman of NOTRAG, commented: "This will mean we can concentrate our efforts and funds at the grass roots level while experts carry out the important research we need to persuade the Government that expansion at Heathrow is not an option now or in the future."

The Mayor's proposals to encourage advice to make houses more eco-friendly, work to improve air quality and investing in sustainable travel and cycling.

Twickenham's Labour Party also welcomed the move.

Spokesperson Damien Egan said: "These radical steps being taken are great news for all of us who are concerned about the environment.

"Twickenham and Richmond residents have shown themselves to be among the countries most environmentally concerned community.

"Much of the responsibility for cutting emissions lies with us and we are glad to see investment set aside to educate people on how to make their homes and lifestyles more eco-friendly."

11:35am Friday 3rd February 2006

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