Plans for biggest-ever demo against Heathrow expansion (From Your Local Guardian)

Plans for biggest-ever demo against Heathrow expansion

2:29pm Friday 23rd May 2008 in

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On Saturday 31st May thousands of people from all over the country will attend a march and rally in what is expected to be the biggest-ever demonstration against Heathrow expansion (1).

The marchers will walk from Hatton Cross in West London to Sipson, the village that would be destroyed if a third runway went ahead, where they will form a giant NO'. This will be followed by speeches and entertainment. Speakers include the leading environmentalist George Monbiot; representatives of all the political parties; representatives of the local authorities, local schools and the local community.

John Stewart, the Chair of HACAN, said, "Heathrow will never before have seen a spectacle like this. Thousands of people will be demonstrating against Heathrow expansion. Coaches will be coming from as far away as Manchester and Southampton. And we will be joined by campaigners from Athens Airport in Greece. Heathrow has become a symbol of worldwide resistance against aggressive airport expansion."

Programme for the Day Midday: People begin to assemble at Hatton Cross (close to the underground station) 1pm: (all timings are approximate): The Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes welcomes the marchers on behalf of Boris Johnston, the new Mayor 1pm: The march sets off Eastern Perimeter Road Northern Perimeter Road Harlington Corner Bath Road Sipson Way 2.00/2.30pm: March arrives at Sipson War Memorial Recreation Ground, Sipson Way Marchers form themselves into giant NO'. Addressed by George Monbiot, one of the UK's leading environmentalists; and by a pupil from Hounslow Heath Infants School (on what it is like to go to school under the flight path) 3.00/4.00pm: Speeches and Bands on the Big Stage This will be situated in the grounds of Heathrow Primary School, at the corner of Sipson Rd and Harmondsworth Lane. Speakers include: John McDonnell MP (the Labour MP for the area); Susan Kramer MP (Liberal Democrat Richmond Park); Justine Greening MP (Conservative Putney); Caroline Lucas MEP (Green Party); Ray Puddiford (Leader Hillingdon Council and speaking on behalf of the 2M group of local authorities); and Geraldine Nicholson (Chair No Third Runway Action Group).

Sipson Road will be closed for the afternoon. There will be stalls, food and drink for sale; attractions for children such as fairground rides, bouncy castles and face-painting.

There will also be a special tent displaying Sipson through the ages' to highlight the proud history of a community which faces destruction.