Just text No to expansion

by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
19/02/2008

Following on from the Heathrow Summit at Hammersmith Town Hall last week, which saw more than 700 angry residents shoot down arguments for expansion at Heathrow, the growing campaign against the government’s plans is captured in two full-page advertisements in the national media yesterday.

The 'Just Text No' message is backed by all twelve members of the 2M group of local councils. It appears in the Times and the Evening Standard.

Supporters are urged to send a free text to 80800 and to attend an end of consultation rally at Westminster Hall on February 25.

The advertisement highlights the problems of noise, pollution, congestion and climate change – all of which will get worse as a result of the 222,000 extra flights that a third runway and increased use of the existing two runways will bring.

H&F Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Nick Botterill, speaking on behalf of the 2M Group said,

"The Government seems happy to set no limits on the size of Heathrow. This is one expansion too far. They might have got away with it in the past but people today are much more protective of their quality of life.

"This is a great way to get our message across. Concern about the wider impacts of expansion is spreading across London. Lambeth joined the 2M Group this week and I expect more councils to follow."

The advertisements have been paid for by the enoughsenough.org campaign.

The DfT consultation runs until February 27. Details of how to respond are available at www.dft.gov.uk/heathrowconsultation (opens new window).

The 2M Group comprises the London Boroughs of Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth. Authorities outside London include Slough, South Bucks and Windsor and Maidenhead.

For more information visit www.2MGroup.org.uk (opens new window).