Friday, 18 June 2010 13:49

West Sussex County Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to set up a group tasked with improving operations at major South East airports including Gatwick.

But, the County Council says that it believes that local authorities should also be represented together with airlines, airport operators, aviation and passenger organisations.

Lionel Barnard, Deputy Leader of the County Council who is responsible for transport issues, said: “We strongly support the stated aim of this group which is all about improving efficiency and the passenger experience.

“Now that further runways at both Gatwick and Heathrow have been ruled out, there is a need for a new long term vision for our airports.”

Lionel said he hoped that local authorities will be involved in the work of the Task Force.

He added: “The County Council has always had a special interest in Gatwick.

“For example, there is no doubt about the significance of the 50 year legal agreement negotiated by the Council that has prevented a second runway before 2019.

“Now that we know a second runway is not a priority for the owners of Gatwick or the Government, there is a need to look at ways in which the airport can develop to deliver the best possible experience for passengers.

“The airport plays a major role in the West Sussex economy, and the County Council has always worked to strike the right balance between the needs of a major international airport and those of the environment.”

Lionel said the County Council will be keen to look at the Task Force’s terms of reference, which are still to be published.

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For further information please contact Nigel Galloway on 01243 777722 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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