They had to exist: proponents of the Heathrow expansion

With the most media noise being made by protesters about the proposed new third runway at Heathrow International Airport, a pro-Heathrow group has struck back with a poll that says while 30 percent of nearby residents do in fact oppose the construction of a new runway, the majority at 53 percent feel that it’s a good thing.

A further three percent brings the numbers of the poll to 56 percent when it comes to a ‘mixed mode’ scenario, where planes could use for the runways for both take-offs and landings. Opponents to this plan added up to 23 percent.

The poll also showed an interesting statistic that the noise pollution was not even the number one concern for residents around the airport. Larger issues are congestion, increases in crime and taxes.

‘This poll shows that people understand the importance of Heathrow to London and the UK. By more than two to one they say that for their family, their community and the country, the advantages of Heathrow outweigh the disadvantages. There is clear support for the growth of Heathrow, including a third runway,’ said Lord Soley, who will soon become the Heathrow campaign director.