"Make your voices heard" call over Heathrow consultation

5.05.35pm GMT Fri 7th Dec 2007

Richmond Council is bracing itself for the long-awaited consultation into Heathrow's expansion, due to be announced by the Department for Transport on 22 November.

The consultation has been described by the Council as one of the most important for years and the authority has urged residents to make their views known. The Council will examine the plans thoroughly and prepare a robust response to any proposals which it considers will be detrimental to residents. In the consultation, views are expected to be sought on plans for a new third runway, and also increasing capacity by using both existing runways simultaneously, ending "runway alternation." Richmond Council's policy is to oppose expansion, including plans for a new runway, as this would lead to an increase in flight numbers and a worsening of overall noise and other pollution. Speaking on behalf of the 2M Group of local authorities, the Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Serge Lourie, said:

"This is a key consultation, one of the most important for years, and we will examine the proposals thoroughly and prepare a detailed response. The Council has long pressed for an end to Heathrow's expansion and, in partnership with our colleagues at the 2M Group, we anticipate needing to respond robustly. The boroughs have worked together for many years, seeking to curb airport growth and also to ban night-flights. Many people feel that expansion must be stopped for the good of our communities. We will certainly be doing our bit and we call on residents to be vigilant and to make their voices heard."