8:43am Thursday 19th June 2008
By Elizabeth Ings
The Heathrow expansion battle opened cracks down Spelthorne's Tory party lines this week.
In response to criticism of Labour's support for Heathrow's third runway and sixth terminal by Tory leader David Cameron, Tory leader of Spelthorne Council, Councillor John Packman, said he would not be budged on his support of the plans and insisted on not towing the party line.
He said: "Yes, this is a political difference of opinion, but we are not alone in supporting expansion."
He repeated that the expansion would spell positive change for Spelthorne residents, particularly in job creation.
The council pulled out of 2M - the alliance of councils which originally represented two million voices against expansion but now represents four million - in February.
Ex-Spelthorne council leader and Tory Gerry Ceaser who orginally signed up to the group, and is vice president of anti-Heathrow expansion group Local Authorities Aircraft Noise Council vowed to continue fighting expansion plans this week.
He said: "I think it will impact Spelthorne more than anyone realises, particularly in night flights. We have to keep fighting."
Mr Cameron, said this week that the "economic case for Heathrow expansion is unravelling day by day." He accused Gordon Brown of being driven by "political calculation, not conviction" in his desire to back a bigger Heathrow.
Cameron questioned the importance of Heathrow as a major hub' airport. He argues that it is not the size of the airport that matters but the quality of service it offers: "I think the whole country can agree that the most important priority for Heathrow is making it better, not bigger."
Chairman of campaign group HACAN John Stewart said: "We welcome David Cameron's criticism of the Government's proposals to expand Heathrow. It is particularly significant that he is questioning the economic case for expansion. The noose is tightening round the Government's neck, slowly draining their proposals of any purpose. They should abandon them."
What do you think about Mr Cameron's comments? Email newsdesk@stainesguardian.co.uk
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