New runway? Forget Heathrow and look to the magnificent Severn
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Version 0 of 1. A large part of the overcrowding and the fight for runway slots at Heathrow is down to the transatlantic traffic (Firm yes for Heathrow runway puts PM in bind, 2 July). The new growth that the business community is anxious to support is for the far eastern services. The answer is a new international runway set on the Severn estuary which will accept the flights from America and save 30 minutes’ flight time as well as the delays of circling around London. The infrastructure is there, or will be soon, with the electrification of the mainline from London to Cardiff passing right by. The skill of engineers in reclaiming flat sandbanks by pumping up more sea sand is well established. The shape of the existing sandbanks suits the flight path, and the footprint of the noise is nowhere near any residential property. Now is the time to save money and invest in the future. The reduction in transatlantic flights coming into Heathrow will enable an increase in the tabling of more far eastern flights. Cameron can live up to his 2009 promise and meet the pleading of the air lobby.Robin BradburyColeford, Somerset • It seems Labour will now support business at any cost. But the proposed third runway is too momentous a development to be supported just on the business case. No other major city would build runways within its boundaries and pointing at their capital. No other developed nation would demolish an ancient village containing medieval buildings so close to its centre, eliminating a tourist attraction and turning out its inhabitants. No other capital would consider bulldozing 1,000 acres of green belt in an area hidebound by busy motorways and an airport, acting as a buffer to west London, absorbing pollution. Labour is not a party I would associate with these acts.Rose McManusLondon • I read with interest the Airports Commission final report published recently. The London airport capacity problem has perplexed governments for more than 50 years. The independent Airports Commission was set up in 2012 to find an effective and deliverable solution and to make recommendations that will allow the UK to maintain its position as Europe’s most important aviation hub. Gatwick and the estuary were explored as part of the commission’s work and the conclusion was unanimous: Heathrow expansion. Can we allow politicians who are not independent to make the final decision? UK plc must be put above party and we now need to consult with affected parties and break soil at Heathrow.Colin RoddenOlney, Buckinghamshire • The hottest July day on record and we’re debating whether a massive increase in greenhouse gas emissions should be built at Heathrow or Gatwick?Mike WrightNuneaton, Warwickshire |