AIRPORT RUNWAY PETITION TAKES OFF

24-01-2008

It's not only campaigners against the extension of Birmingham Airport's runway who are demanding to be heard - so are supporters of the scheme.  They've launched a petition backing the plan, which has been lodged with Solihull Council.
 
As we reported earlier this month, BIA has ditched hopes of a second runway until at least 2030, but wants to lengthen the existing one, so that passengers can fly long haul from the West Midlands (see link here)

The move is backed by business leaders who say that unless the plan is approved, we risk falling behind competitors like Manchester, but – inevitably – local environmental activists are appalled at the prospect.

They launched “Flyagra”, a spoof website with a serious message, outlining their reasons for opposing a longer runway. It’s thought that campaigners have already gathered 300 “anti” signatures.

Now Neil Woodhouse - who was born in Birmingham and works in the city - is launching a petition to prove that there's overwhelming support for a longer runway at Birmingham and a wider choice of long haul destinations.

He says, “The general reason for this is based on the fact that whilst appreciating there is a need to balance the needs of the environment and the economy, in large scale developments like this, the sector of society which most would label NIMBYs often jump on the normal bandwagon and protest for the sake of protesting.

”However, in this regard, short of stopping airport expansion which will never occur, this is by far the most sustainable way for such expansion to occur and through purely democratic ways I want to accumulate as much support as possible to back this application.

“There've already been 300 letters to Solihull Council in protest, and as is usual in these situations, it is often the people who have a problem with it that are heard above those who support it.

“As a result, I hope this is the most convenient yet effective way for both the local authority and the government to guage levels of support and put the objections from NIMBY's in context.

”People need to get more involved within the planning system, and this is how they can do it.

"Birmingham is faced with an opportunity that could improve its economic prospects dramatically, and whilst not everyone will support the scheme (they will often write to the council saying as much) I want to make sure as many people who do support it, say so”.

To support the petition go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SupportBHX/

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