Airports Commission: Lib Dems reaffirm opposition to Heathrow and Gatwick expansion

Responding to the interim report by Sir Howard Davies' Airports Commission, Hazel Watson (Dorking Hills), the Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on Surrey County Council said:

"Liberal Democrats are opposed to any expansion of airports in the South East, further expansion of Heathrow or Gatwick would be a devastating blow for Surrey's environment and many of Surrey's residents. Local residents in Mole Valley are constantly telling me how strongly they are opposed to any expansion of Gatwick. A coordinated transport strategy including air, rail and roads needs to be developed. Issues such as airport expansion, high speed rail and road links should not be taken in isolation. I shall be pressing for Liberal Democrat ministers to strongly oppose these plans."

Cllr Ian Beardsmore (Sunbury Common and Ashford Common) said: "The threatened expansion at Heathrow, with all of the impact of not only aircraft noise but extra traffic on already overcrowded roads, is a blight on Spelthorne which Liberal Democrats will fight against tooth and nail."