Airport devastation

Lib Dem campaigner Peter Carroll is writing to over 6,000 households on Romney Marsh asking them to support his opposition to the proposed massive expansion of Lydd Airport.

Plans are under consideration that would extend the runway and would mean 2,000,000 passengers a year using the airport. This could mean up to 100 jet aircraft flights a day at busy times and up to a million extra car journeys on already busy local roads.

Peter Carroll said, 'The proposed expansion will devastate the Marsh environment. As well as the aircraft noise and pollution there will be many extra car journeys to and from the airport. Our road network simply won't cope. The quality of life of Marsh residents will be devastated.'

In his letter, Peter is asking Marsh residents for their views. He is calling for the expansion plans to be called before a public inquiry so that local people can express their views. Peter added, 'East Kent already has the International Airport at Manston. I do not believe that our area needs another major airport. I would support limited expansion of Lydd Airport to provide for more recreational and leisure flying'.

Ends

Notes to Editors : Text of Letter Follows

The Marsh is a special place to live. It is peaceful, has great beaches, wonderful countryside and towns and villages of real character. But much of this could be ruined if Lydd airport is allowed to expand into a major airport.

In 2003 just 6000 passengers used the airport. If expansion plans are given the go-ahead this could rise to 2,000,000 a year.

Some estimates suggest this could be up to 100 planes (many of them noisy jet aircraft) taking off and landing over Romney Marsh every day at the busiest times. Assuming no night flights, this could mean a flight every 15 minutes.

I believe that the noise and pollution from these aircraft would wreck the special environment of Romney Marsh. That's before we even get to the estimated

1 million extra car journeys on our already busy roads.

I am opposed to these huge expansion plans and have launched a petition demanding a full public inquiry on the expansion plans. It is vital that local people get to have their say on this development and I hope you will back my opposition to it.

The Marsh does need more jobs and investment, but not at the expense of destroying our local environment and the quality of life for many residents.

I want to see the Government doing more to help the Marsh. I would also support some limited development at the airport - especially in the area of leisure flights. However any development must be sensitive to our local environment and Marsh residents.