The leader of Richmond Council has criticised Heathrow’s proposals for a third runway, which it submitted to the Airports Commission last week.

Bosses and the south-west London airport revealed its plans to build a third runway either to the north, north-west or south-west of the airport on Wednesday, July 17.

Leader of Richmond Council, Lord True, who has been outspoken in his opposition to a third runway, said the proposals were unacceptable.

He said: “As bad as it is now, Heathrow’s new proposals will make matters far, far worse.

“Heathrow wants to take London’s biggest headache, the biggest engine of aviation noise and pollution in Europe, and add to it.”

Twickenham Lib Dem MP and Business Secretary Vince Cable also rejected the proposals.

He said: “There is a clear coalition commitment not to expand Heathrow.

“The commission is looking at viable alternatives, including expanding regional airports such as Birmingham and perhaps other airports in the south-east.

“I do recognise that Heathrow has considerable economic importance for the area, for jobs and business travellers, and certainly do not support those who envisage its closure.

“We need a balanced approach between economic and environmental factors and between different airports.”

 

MORE RICHMOND AND TWICKENHAM NEWS