REDBRIDGE: Residents slam flights increase from London City Airport (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

REDBRIDGE: Residents slam flights increase from London City Airport

4:31pm Friday 10th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(4)

FAMILIES in Wanstead and Woodford have slammed a decision to allow an extra 50,000 flights a year from London City Airport.

The increase, which was given the green light by Newham Council, will see the total number of journeys from the airport rising to 120,000 annually - which critics fear will cause a big increase in noise and pollution for Redbridge residents living directly under one of the flight paths.

The airport and Newham council argue the move will be good for east London’s economy, and have pledged to limit flights at weekends and at night.

But Francis Jezierski, of Wanstead Park Avenue in Aldersbrook, who helped lead opposition to the plan said: “I think it is very disappointing news for people who live in Wanstead and Woodford.

"More flights means more noise, more pollution and more misery.

"Our only hope is that some good will come out of this recession - they may be allowed to have more flights, but the question is whether or not they will be able to sell them."

Anne-Marie Griffin, of campaign group Fight the Flights, said: “While we're not surprised by the ruling, we are disappointed that Newham Council is still not looking at the facts and the evidence that residents have been presenting to them.

“People in boroughs like Redbridge will experience a noticeable difference in the number of flights now.

“The council has agreed to the expansion but it still has to formally rubber stamp it. We are considering our options about what to do next.”

A spokeswoman for the airport said it welcomed Newham Council's decision.

She said: "This decision recognises the airport's importance in the community, its significant contribution to the local economy and the regeneration and investment that the airport has attracted to east London."

A spokeswoman for Newham Council said: “Following an extensive consultation process, which included a significant amount of input from members of the public, we are confident that this decision is in the best interest of the communities of Newham."

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(4)