Crawley Observer – Gatwick News

No Vote to new Runway
West Sussesx County Council to oppose Gatwick Airport Expansion
21st January 2015 – Crawley Observer
website www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

West Sussex County Council has voted to oppose a second runway at Gatwick.

Councillors voted by a margin of 37 to 26 in favour of a motion expressing ‘its opposition to a new runway to expand Gatwick Airport’.

Cllr Peter Lamb (Lab, Northgate & Three Bridges) argued for the county council to ‘adopt a neutral position’.

Cllr Andrew Barrett-Miles (Con, Burgess Hill Town) felt expansion would have a ‘devastating impact on West Sussex’.

Cllr Liz Bennell: (Con, East Grinstead Meridian) described the idea of putting a second runway at Gatwick as ‘barmy’.

Many spoke in support of a second runway as a vehicle for growth in West Sussex, and its potential to bring skilled jobs to the area, especially for young people.

Others felt it was not the right time to vote either way as it could affect their ability to negotiate mitigation measures if a second runway were recommended as the preferred option.

Cllr Brenda Smith (Lab, Langley Green & West Green) added: “l think we owe the residents of West Sussex a straight answer as elected members as to how we feel.’

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