Soames says ‘No’ to 2nd Gatwick runway

Gatwick has been shortlisted for possible expansion by the Airports Commission but Mr Soames has warned of noise, pollution and over-development.

“A new runway at Gatwick would cause terrible environmental damage to our already hard pressed towns and villages all around Gatwick,” said Mr Soames.

“In addition to the problems of noise and pollution there is no doubt that it would lead to appalling over-development and the ruination of much of the countryside of Surrey and West Sussex.

“The added pressure on our schools, hospitals, roads and railways would be completely unacceptable and spell a knockout blow to the place that we all live in.”

See more on this story on pages 6 and 7 of next week’s Middy and on page 2 of this week’s Middy, published on December 19.