Missing the point on Standsted expansion

15-April-2009

Nina Johnson-Bennett misses the point entirely (recruiter.co.uk, ‘Stansted Airport expansion crucial for jobs’, 16 March) with her
comment about people buying houses nearby Stansted Airport. Many of our members are from families who have lived here for generations, but there are also those who have come more recently, as well as a considerable number who, while further afield, are increasingly affected by
noisy overflying.

Those who did move here more recently did so on the unequivocal declaration by the government in the 1980s that there would never be
major expansion at Stansted. It is only natural for people to feel this is a case of broken promises.

As for jobs, these are being cut at the airport as pressure from the budget carriers leads to reduced requirements and lower staff-to-passenger ratios. Evidence of the dangers of over-reliance on a single industry, perhaps?

• Carol Barbone, campaign director, Stop Stansted Expansion