Council 'isolated' in support for third runway (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Council 'isolated' in support for third runway

3:11pm Thursday 6th March 2008

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The two million voices united in opposition against Heathrow expansion has gained a further ally - leaving Spelthorne Council further isolated in its support for a third runway.

Surrey County Council's executive said it cannot support any further expansion to Heathrow, believing measures to deal with environmental and transport issues must be agreed and put in place alongside any increase in flights.

David Munro, executive member for transport, said: "The immediate need is for investment to improve the quality of Heathrow, not the quantity of flights.

"The next most important thing is to invest in rail access so the airport is accessible from the rest of the country and not just London.

"We want the Government to commit to addressing and funding these as well as measures for dealing with the impact on the road network."

Surrey County Council said it recognised the "considerable contribution" Heathrow makes to the national and regional economy and accepted the need for further investment to maintain its preeminent position.

Peter Martin, executive member for the environment, said: "It is important the Government comes up with realistic proposals that really address the environmental issues around noise, air quality, and greenhouse gases, rather than relying on as yet undeveloped technological solutions.

"We also want to see the interests of those directly affected by the proposals such as in Sipson properly and sympathetically addressed."

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