Chiswick Residents' Group Fights Heathrow Expansion

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CRASH aims to provide a focal point for local opposition in run up to end of consultation

Following the impressive turnout at recent local meetings relating to the planned expansion of Heathrow airport, a new local residents’ group has been formed to spearhead opposition to the plans.

Chiswick Residents Against the Spread of Heathrow (CRASH) aims to provide a focal point for local opposition in the run up to the end of the Government consultation on 27th February, and to carry the campaign forward via an extensive and coordinated lobbying strategy.

Local resident Mike Russell stresses the importance of individual action if we are to register the high level of local opposition with the policy makers who count.

"The government is supposed to act on behalf of its citizens, but the sad fact is that the air lobby exerts massive pressure on them to get its own way. However there are millions of people who disagree, fifty thousand of them in W4 alone. That is our great strength, and if we use it wisely we can trump BAA and its noisy, polluting and climate-changing friends."

"Sign the e-petitions and send back the NO cards, but don't stop there. Make sure this issue is at the top of every Minister's in-tray by asking how they're preparing to service ten thousand new workers and their forty thousand dependents on issues such as local housing - scarce; schools -blighted by noise; and health care - under pressure".

The new group’s website at www.crashw4.org includes details of the local campaign, links to substantial background material and other campaigning groups, and comprehensive suggestions for what you can easily do to register your own opposition. Factsheets outlining how residents can help with this campaign can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/3d8wzy

A mass rally of groups opposed to Heathrow expansion is taking place at Central Hall, Westminster, at 7pm on 25th February, and it is hoped that a significant Chiswick representation will serve to highlight the level of local feelings. Details are on the website.

February 11, 2008