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Airport Views Deadline Near ; TRANSPORT: Just Weeks Left to Have Say Over Expansion Bid

Posted on: Thursday, 9 March 2006, 18:00 CST

By Leda Reynolds

THE deadline is looming for residents to give their views on plans to expand Birmingham International Airport.

There are just three weeks left for families to have their say on the draft master plan which outlines the airport's plans for expansion up to 2030.

People have until March 31 to express their opinions on the expansion which includes extending the current runway, building a second one and creating a third passenger terminal.

Airport bosses have carried out a series of public consultations after unveiling their controversial blueprint in October.

For the past five months, a number of public meetings have been held in community halls near the airport and a special information bus has been stationed in car parks in a bid to gauge public opinion and invite views.

Staff have also held one-to-one surgeries with people whose properties are likely to be affected by the proposals.

Richard Heard, managing director at the airport, said: "The Airport Company is determined to consider local concerns and issues. As the consultation is ongoing we have not drawn any conclusions yet.

"I urge people to respond to our consultation, before the deadline of March 31 - we want to hear everyone's views."

The airport expects that by 2030, it will be handling 33 million passengers a year and says the expansion to cope with demand will help support 2 7,430 job opportunities and generate pounds 957 million for the West Midlands economy.

Source: Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK)

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