There is not much new to relate, but there are some points worth repeating.

Business at the airport remains depressed. That does not alter the fact that the current owners have permission to use the existing runway to its full capacity. This could mean a doubling of passenger throughput. On the one hand this can be seen as a cross to bear by those communities most adjacent to flight paths; on the other those who rely on the airport for jobs can be reassured.

As we know, it is Labour’s policy to press ahead with a second runway at Stansted. The implications of this would be severe for a large part of the population of Uttlesford, but people living in the Chelmsford part of the constituency have good cause to be wary as well. It cannot be said loudly and clearly enough that a Conservative Government will not approve the construction of a second runway. So anyone in the constituency who is against a second runway should do the obvious and choose a Conservative Government. With all respect to any other party which might share this policy the outcome of a General Election will be either Labour or the Conservatives in the majority. Will David Cameron keep his promise? Yes, because his passion to protect the environment leads him to believe that the growth of aviation has to be constrained.

As I report elsewhere in this newsletter BAA are taking a hard line on the subject of new trains. They want the monopoly of them and, frankly, care not one little bit for the conditions in which most commuters have to undertake their journeys.

Work is still ongoing with regard to the height of aircraft departures which has brought unwelcome noise disturbance to Hatfield Heath, Hatfield Broad Oak and the Hallingburys.
 

Tags: Uttlesford Stansted Expansion Sir Alan Haselhurst