Rally to halt airport expansion

8.07.34pm GMT Sat 23rd Feb 2008

• RICHMOND Council is urging local residents to turn out for a mass rally against Heathrow expansion plans just before the curtain falls on the Government's consultation.

The rally against plans for a sixth terminal and third runway is being held at Central Hall, Westminster, on Monday February 25, starting 7pm. It has been organised by aviation pressure group HACAN Clearskies and backed by the 2M Group, an alliance of 12 local authorities fighting airport expansion. There will also be a lobby of Parliament on the same evening, from 5pm to 10pm. The rally comes just shortly before the Government's consultation on the expansion plans ends on February 27.

Speaking on behalf of the 2M Group, the Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Serge Lourie, said: "With the end of the consultation period looming, it is vital that everyone has their say on these plans which, in our view, will be an environmental disaster with the quality of life of thousands of residents affected. Public meetings in our borough and elsewhere drew packed attendances and we expect Monday's event will be hugely supported too. My message is, turn up and air your views and demonstrate the strength of opposition among people across the capital."