Questionnaire call over airport options

CAMPAIGN group Stop Stansted Expansion has called on the Department for Transport to produce a new national consultation questionnaire on expanding airport capacity so that all residents in the UK can have their say.

The group claim the original questionnaires, which were issued at the start of the consultation period in July, are unfair and bias as they allow residents living in other regions to recommend their preferred south east airport for development, but do not allow people living in the south east to recommend any airport outside their own area.

Campaign chairman Norman Mead has written to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling arguing that the questionnaires should provide people with a fair opportunity to express their views and there should be an even-handed approach for all parts of the UK.

Mr Mead said: "The Government appears hell-bent on massive airport expansion in the already overcrowded mainland south east and unwilling to consider other options.

"For as long as this blinkered attitude continues, we will use every opportunity to oppose the government's proposals."

09:38 Thursday 23rd January 2003

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