Councillor Backs Airport Proposals

A COUNCILLOR has welcomed Durham Tees Valley Airport’s expansion plans.Secretary of State Ruth Kelly announced on Tuesday she would not object to the airport’s planning application – prompting local campaigners to call it “bad, bad judgement”.But Councillor Peter Foster, who represents Hurworth at Darlington Borough Council, said the expansion was “very good news”.”People I have spoken to are saying nothing but good things about it, ” he said.”It had been dragging on a bit, but now it looks to be sorted. It will be a good source of work for the rural area – it’s a good point of employment.”It also means more people will be able to take their holidays from the area, rather than going to Manchester, or Leeds Bradford.”Campaigners say they are disappointed but I know people in the area who are over the moon.”Coun Foster also welcomed the 11.3m Long Newton interchange project, which will improve access to the airport from the A66.”We have been trying to get that sorted for years, ” he said.”The access at the moment is terrible.”It will benefit people coming in from the North-East coast, who have to come through Yarm.”It will also help the staff, as well as the passengers.”Coun Foster worked at the airport for 40 years, before he retired three years ago.There had been objections to the airport’s proposed 18,600sq metre business park with a 100-bed hotel, pub and restaurant. Campaigners say it should be built on nearby brownfield sites, rather than undeveloped green land.

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