Lib Dem survey in Mytchett shows residents oppose increase in flights

6.40.00am GMT Sat 17th Jan 2009

Councillor David Whitcroft, Cindy Ferguson and Councillor Mike Drew look through returned surveys

The owners of Farnborough Airfield, TAG, have put forward a plan which seeks to massively increase the number of flights allowed from 28,000 to 50,000 per year. TAG's draft plan was released for consultation just before Christmas and totally contradicts a recent Lib Dem survey of Mytchett which showed that most residents are against ANY increase in flights. Lib Dem activist Cindy Ferguson said, "TAG are simply trying to maximize their commercial position to the detriment of local residents whose homes will be blighted. We are therefore opposing this increase."

The Lib Dems have put forward their own Plan. This recognises the contribution the Airfield makes to the local economy and supports the continued provision of executive business flying. It opposes any increase in flights which would adversely affect public safety or quality of life. Commenting on TAG's claim the increase would create jobs, Cindy Ferguson said, "Unemployment in this area is low and we have put forward better ways to create jobs which do not impact on people's lives."

The full results of our survey were as follows:

Aircraft movements

68% of you find aircraft movements annoying or very annoying.

What annoys you most

58% of you find the noise most annoying, 21% are concerned about air pollution, 17% by the visual intrusion and 5% by occasional radio/television interference.

Your views on number of flights

45% of you want no future increase in flights and another 32% want a reduction now. Only 18% would accept a modest increase with another 4% not worried by any level of future expansion.

How safe do you feel?

72% of you feel unsafe living under or close to the flight path.

Your views on our airfield policy

92% of you agreed with our proposals.