Lydd Airport to go to public inquiry
Published: 24-06-2010
Gemma Watts, PR & Events Manager, Protect Kent
24 June 2010
Protect Kent is pleased to hear today that Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has called in the decision to expand Lydd airport’s runway and build a new terminal building, for review at a public inquiry.
Protect Kent has always felt the argument put forward by the airport, that it would provide much-needed jobs is a dubious one. It does not account for how many jobs would be killed-off in the existing leisure industries, nor does it recognise that this scale of expansion would destroy the potential for the sustainable growth of green tourism – an economic development that would directly benefit the local population rather than business interests outside the area.
In the official referendum conducted by Shepway Council, 66% voted against Lydd Airport’s expansion. The government Office for the South East has received over 2000 letters against the plans and only about 200 in favour.
The Marsh has a cultural as well as a natural value that is appreciated way beyond Shepway councillors’ jurisdiction, and Protect Kent has always maintained that it would be absurd to sacrifice this very special place for the dubious, short-term economic ‘benefits’ of an airport –especially one that is not wanted or needed.
Deputy Director Sean Furey said:
“Romney Marsh is one of the most beautiful and tranquil landscapes in South East England. We want tourists to come to area to appreciate it and support the local economy, but we have long argued that expanding the airport is the wrong way to go, and would damage internationally important wildlife habitats in the process. We are glad that these issues will be explored rigorously by an inquiry.”
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For more information, contact:
Sean Furey Deputy Director - Protect Kent 3 Evegate Park Barn Station Road, Smeeth Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX
Tel: 01303 815186
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk
2. Protect Kent (The Kent Branch of CPRE) is one of the charity’s largest county groups, with more than 3,000 supporters, 12 district groups and two special-interest groups, which focus on transport and environment.
3. Protect Kent (The Kent Branch of CPRE) exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country.
4. Registered office: 3 Evegate Park Barn, Station Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX. Phone: 01303 815180, fax: 01303 815189, www.protectkent.org.uk or www.cprekent.org.uk, email: info@cprekent.org.uk.
A company limited by guarantee, registered in England number 4335730, registered charity number 1092012.