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Residents
have been told that the plans would require widening the M1, bypasses
to the east and north of the town and, of course, extra noise.
What
do you think? Are you worried about falling house prices and noise
pollution, or are these plans great for Luton?
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| Yvonne
Sartain, Leighton Buzzard |
Tuesday,
29-Apr-2003 15:35:05 GMT |
|
| fantastic
idea. The area needs the jobs! |
| Margaret
Dyer, Hitchin |
Tuesday,
22-Apr-2003 14:14:18 GMT |
|
| This
is a very built up area and further expansion in Luton is inappropriate.
There are several large airports in the south east and we are
constantly told about overcrowded skis. It would be foolhardy
to add further to this. Secondly an airport in the north east
would be beneficial to those who have to travel long distances
at the present time to avail themselves of cheap and charter
flights. |
| Mark,
Luton |
Saturday,
08-Mar-2003 22:52:52 GMT |
|
| I
live in Wigmore, Luton, right next to the countryside and the
airport (we have countryside here in Luton too, Harpenden folk).
On my way to work in St Albans I've noticed the anti expansion
signs, and it makes me laugh. It's called.. 'opportunity, but
not on my backyard!' |
| caz,
luton |
Saturday,
08-Mar-2003 21:51:31 GMT |
|
| i
live right in the flightpath for the airport and i think it
is a good thing that the airport might be expanding. Since vauxhall
closed down, lots of people lost their jobs, this expansion
will mean more jobs and will put luton back on the map where
it belongs! |
| lee,
luton |
Saturday,
08-Mar-2003 13:32:02 GMT |
|
| Message
for Jess, Please note that the runway re-positioning I mentioned
was not that facing Harpenden or Hitchin but in fact South Luton
and south of Stevenage, hence my reason why less people would
be effected. Those extra in South Luton would be compensated
by those already under the flight path in south luton as they
would no longer. To sum up, the amount of people to be disturbed
by the new flight path in Luton might increase by 5% but Hertfordshire
residents would decrease probably by 90% check my co-ordinates
and local maps then your see what I mean. |
| anthony,
wigmore |
Saturday,
08-Mar-2003 13:00:29 GMT |
|
| i
like the idea of a bigger runway at luton,as i will be able
to travel long haul without the grief of gatwick or heathrow,however
i cannot understand why the existing runway cannot be extended
on the line it on,when i moved to my present house i realised
there would be aircraft noise but having lived in luton all
my life its not a problem,but surely its just not safe to have
houses so close to the runway,what would happen if terrorists
bought one of these houses?? the boggle minds! |
| Peter,
Luton |
Saturday,
08-Mar-2003 12:11:54 GMT |
|
| I
am totally against the expansion plans for the airport. So many
people would be suffer from the additonal noise and pollution.
But I think our opinions will go unheard as other campaigns
around other airports have been much more loudly voiced. I personally
blame the council and local MP's for this, they're not doing
the job we expected them to do when we voted for them and we
should all remember this at the next elections. |
| Jess,
Stotfold (nr Baldock) |
Thursday,
06-Mar-2003 12:16:22 GMT |
|
| I
have to respond to Lee of Luton. I have been looking at the
documents provided online about the proposed expansion, and
the 're-aligned' runway will take aircraft DIRECTLY over Hitchin
and Letchworth as well as Lilley and the surrounding villages.
I would also like to point out that whilst some aircraft seem
to stick to the height limit and fly 'high in the air', others
blantantly do not. (see earlier posts) I believe that flying
a bit lower saves the airline company money. Unfortunately it
also increases the pollution and noise that people have to tolerate
if they live near an airport. I am not against any expansion
of Luton Airport, but you have to bear in mind the following:
1. Luton has ALREADY got permission to expand numbers to 10m
ppa (passengers per annum) from its current level of 6mppa.
This will almost DOUBLE the number of existing aircraft flying
to Luton. (http://www.ladacan.org/)This will require NO public
consultation and NO planning permission. 2) Currently, Stotfold
gets an aircraft flying over every 10-15 min from 7am to 11pm
EVERY DAY. According to the officials, we only get aircraft
if 'the wind is blowing in a certain direction'. Since this
is clearly nonsense, why should I believe the reports that the
re-alignment will result in no extra noise and pollution above
my house? 3. Expansion of the airport has a HUGE knock-on effect
for the surrounding areas. More people using the airport will
mean more houses (where?) more roads (A1 and M1 link - two of
the most congested roads already) and more pressure on our stretched
services. Not to mention the effect on our dwindling countryside
and under-threat Green Belt. Personally, I have little faith
in this Governments ability to be able to manage to find a fair
solution. I believe that they (and Luton Council) cannot see
beyond the money that they stand to make from airport taxes.
|
| Lee,
Luton |
Tuesday,
04-Mar-2003 18:09:07 GMT |
|
| This
is only a suggestion! At present the runway alignment at Luton
Airport is 080 and 260 degrees,which results in the populations
of south Luton and Hertfordshire residents being affected. However,
if Luton builds a new runway at say 100 and 280 degrees then
an extra few thousand of Luton residents may be affected but
hardly anyone from the Hertfordshire area. As the aircraft would
fly over North Caddington and not central Caddington and high
in the air over Dunstable not to cause too much disturbance,
surely this is the best idea as at these degrees aircraft would
be flying over mostly farm land! Those extra people in South
Luton would hardly notice the difference. If the runway in use
was 280 for departures then as is now, the aircraft could climb
out turning left immediately therefore no more different than
now.If aircraft were having to land on runway 100, I am certai
n the only conflict would be the Dunstable gliding club but
im sure they could be given new maximum heights so as too not
be conflicting traffic.Anyhow I dont meen to bore anyone but
if you use the coordinates I have quoted residents of Hertfordshire
would not be affected and a minimal population of South Luton/Farley
Hill ward would, but at least its our own people and not others...... |
| John,
MK |
Monday,
03-Mar-2003 12:54:37 GMT |
|
| In
our Naive and gullible country, any statistics given by Governmant
Departments, are believed as Facts. They are compiled by people
who do not understand that there is a differance between Truth
and Fiction.Their Sole purpose is to delete or add anything
which will convince the Voter, that this is a final answer to
a problem, which may not even exist.Government and local authority
seminars are held on a regular basis, to show how to manage
the figures so that targets can be achieved, and gain further
funding from the convinced Tax payer. Statistics can prove whatever
ANYONE wishes to prove.Where did the stats come from to prove
the increased numbers of flights required in the Future.There
isnt enough time NOW, for air traffic control, and today we
are told by Eurocontrol, UK flights are the worst for Lateness
in Europe, and we need More?.IF you dont tell your MP that they
have Lost the plot, they will start to believe their own mis-
Information. |
| M
Weaver, stotfold |
Saturday,
01-Mar-2003 13:21:49 GMT |
|
| Build
the airport bigger the better, saves going all the way to heathrow
or gatwick for long haul flights! |
| Adrian,
Luton |
Thursday,
27-Feb-2003 19:49:49 GMT |
|
| I
am not the moaning nimby that all the supporters make Wigmore
Residents out to be but a concerned home owner. I bought my
house in full knowledge that it had an airport nearby and have
never complained about the noise. The other selling point was
my close access to the countryside with the mistaken belief
that the airport safety zone would not allow the building of
properties or buildings. But what the council has agreed is
the destruction of the Wigmore Park an area where I take my
kids to see the varied wildlife and even watch the aircraft
taking off. Also bringing the runway nearer to the Wigmore Estate
by altering the alignment of the runway, if this wasn't bad
enough our estate will be cut off by a dual carriageway from
the A505 Hitchin Road to the Airport. Recently we received a
council leafet showing the political lay of the council strange
that a labour council voted to disrupt a liberal voting area
and take the bulk of noise away from the Labour supporting areas.
Not being sceptical but were they afraid of losing votes. |
| David,
Harpenden |
Thursday,
27-Feb-2003 12:13:20 GMT |
|
| Revised
consultation documents These have been published today on the
DoT website. There are few changes in relation to Luton. In
particular, the exercise still seems to assume that a new runway
will be built at Luton. This seems fundamentally unfair - in
relation to every other airport in the south east the documents
put forward options which do not involve new runways. Only at
Luton is it assumed that there will be a new runway in every
one of the development options which are considered. |
| Marian,
Luton |
Monday
24
February 2003 |
|
| My
son plays football and we recently played at Raynham Way which
is adjacent to the airport. The air quality is disgusting, I
do not suffer in any way with chest problems but I found it
suffocating. Why do people on Wigmore estate allow their children
to live in such conditions? |
| Cliff,
Harpenden |
Monday
24
February 2003 |
|
| To
Adrian of Milton Keynes. This response neatly typifies the weaknesses
of the arguments presented. You *used* to live near the airport
(30 YEARS ago!), it didn't bother you then, therefore it wouldn't
have bothered you in the future. Because, I suggest, (1) you
don't live there any more (so as it's not in your back yard,
you don't give a fig for those who do live near and will have
their lives and sleep disturbed), and (2) you have completely
missed the point - it is the gross and unecessary EXPANSION
of the airport that most people are objecting to. Those who
aren't already suffering enough, that is. Just move back to
Wigmore and wait until the airport expands to the size of Heathrow
and see how you like it. Then see who "bellyaches". |
| Chris,
Dunstable |
Sunday
23 February, 2003 |
|
| For
anyone is in two minds as to whether the Luton Airport expansion
is a good idea or not, take your children for a relaxing peaceful
walk in Ashridge woods. Escape to the peaceful surroundings
of birds whistling and the aircraft flying overhead every 15
minutes. I think the expansion of the airport is a great shame
for the three Counties; yes we will have a few more low paid
jobs created at the Airport, but at what price to our environment
and way of life. I recently had a training course very close
to Heathrow last month and walked around “Simpson village” (due
to be bulldozed for Terminal 3), I could not believe the incredible
aircraft noise, smell from cars and general frenzy of the place.
Do we really need this here on ALL of our doorsteps? |
| Adrian,
Near Milton Keynes |
Saturday
22
February, 2003 |
|
| I
lived in the Wigmore Lane area of Luton for 6 years in the mid
70's. In my opinion, there is more noise pollution caused by
the people in Harpenden belly-aching than expansion at the Airport
would ever cause! |
| Linda,
Luton |
Friday
21
February, 2003 |
|
| I
live at the airport end of Wigmore and whilst I don't mind the
current levels of noise from the airport I don't really want
any more. It's not just the noise that's the problem - its where
they plan on relocating the runway and making a new access road
with talk of possible compulsary purchase of some houses. The
lack of consultation from Luton Council is extremely worrying
- are we going to have a say or be railroaded into something
we don't want as usual? Perhaps come the local elections we
should vote in a new Council who might actually consult the
people who put them in power in the first place about such important
issues. North Herts Council have been consulting their residents
that will be affected - why haven't we? The traffic is also
a problem. I have to drive to St Albans everyday for work -
a grand total of 14 miles and sometimes it can take well over
an hour and that's leaving just after 7 o'clock in the morning.
The additional traffic the expansion would cause would only
make this worse. I can't imagine how long it would take me to
get to work during all the road works, building works etc let
alone afterwards with the extra traffic. It was bad enough when
the airport roundabout and the unused traffic lights were being
done. Why does it have to be the South East airports that have
to be expanded anyway? Why not Manchester or Birmingham airports?
Why not Bristol, Exeter or Southampton airports? |
| Bob
Hogarth, Studham |
Tuesday
18 February, 2003 |
|
| The
original rationale for Lu Airport was as a provincial holiday
airport with some spare capacity. Over the years we have seen
growth by stealth and an increase in the resultant noise pollution
over our houses. Fewer and fewer places can now offer some respite
from greater London's noise.We already have Stansted & Gatwick
to provide Heathrow with back-up. We do not need to enlarge
Lu a/p as well. The widening of the M1 is inevitable. |
| Steve,
Harpenden |
Sunday
17 February, 2003 |
|
| I
moved from Wigmore to Harpenden to a smaller house but away
from the noise. I can remember the smell of aviation fuel in
the garden & when our first child arrived it became more of
a worry. This government is so incredibly hypocritical on issues
such as environmental concerns I am terribly dissappointed.
How can it be that the most inefficent use of fuel is not subject
to tax? How can it be that progress is measured in passenger
numbers. This is a step backwards. |
| Clr
Glynis Monks, Formerley ofLuton |
Saturday
15 February, 2003 |
|
| I
find it sad to see this column, as a former resiident of Luton
who mived to greener fields I am saddened to see that people
have not learnt from past mistakes,the flat which we rented
was under the flight path for Luton Airport and when the aeoraplanes
took off, we could see the under carriage of the aeroplane-
this was in 1972. Has notning been learnt by past mistakes-
to buils a school and then consrtuct an airport which passes
over it does not make sense. Perhaps I am behind the the times
but I believe in human values. I tay be appropriate for Luton
Councl to listen to the residents and ratepayers who elected
the councillors and arrange for community consultation to be
actioned for all affected and concerned residents. |
| Lee,
Luton |
Friday
14 February, 2003 |
|
| The
prospect of the expansion of Luton Airport is a good idea. Far
too often, we hear complaints from people who chose to Live
under the flight paths and then only to complain of noise,for
example the Wigmore Estate in Luton was built in the middle
of the 1980's, the airport has been in operation since 1938!
Will aircraft noise be as excessive as people state, I do not
think so, because airlines operate larger aircraft with quieter
engines! Luton should be allowed to grow! |
| Andrew,
Harpenden |
Wednesday
12
February, 2003 |
|
| Although
as a Harpenden resident I am concerned about the noise and pollution
impact, it will be ten times worse in Luton. Of greater concern
to everyone who has to live and work in the area is the total
inadequacy of the infrastructure - the airport is surrounded
by country lanes jammed with traffic, and served by one of the
country's most appalling railways. I can foresee total gridlock... |
| tina,
wigmore,luton |
Tuesday
11
February, 2003 |
|
| I
personally think Luton airport should NOT be expanded. It currently
serves the area well as a reasonably sized regional airport.
The residential areas surrounding the airport are suffering
with excess traffic as it is. I travel to Hemel every morning
from Wigmore and the majority of the traffic is through Luton,
it can take on average 30 minutes to do a 2 mile journey. Before
any serious expansion can take the whole infrastructure of the
area needs to be changed. Have the council consulted those who
live in the area,NO. Anyone who has ever had any dealings with
the council isn't surprised by their actions, in my opinion
incompeteece seems to be the keyword at LBC! |
| NIck,
Mentmore |
Tuesday
11
February, 2003 |
|
| Who
would like to sponsor an antiaircraft gun? No seriously, I agree
with the comments about the lack of real case for expansion.
Luton and the council stand to make a lot from the increase
in traffic. However, this is at the expense of people living
under the flight path. The value of their property will go down
and their quality of life will be affected. If Luton is prepared
to pay compensation to those affected, based on the level of
noise, pollution and the timing of flights, I see no reason
not to expand the airport. However, if Luton does not wish to
pay reasonable compensation to those affected in Buckinghamshire
and Hertfordshire, then I suggest we all seek an injunction
against them under the European Rights act. The following clauses
apply; The protection of private and family life (article 8).
This could cover the noise and pollution aspects. Freedom from
discrimination (article 13). This could cover the lack of compensation
against the cash benefit to Luton. The right to property (article
1 of the first protocol). This could cover the consequential
loss of property value as a result of the expansion. In addition,
any person, group of individuals or non-governmental private
organisations whose rights have been violated can bring an application
to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. A complaint
does not have to be made using an application, it can be made
by letter, (but a form may have to be completed later). Complaints
should be made to: Secretary of the Court of Human Rights Council
of Europe F-67075 Strasbourg cedex France |
| Cliff,
Harpenden |
Sunday
9 February, 2003 |
|
| Time
to demolish a few fallacies, I feel. 1. Unlike popularly believed,
Luton doesn't HAVE a unemployment problem. Its unemployment
rate is the SAME as the national average. What it DOES need
are specific jobs to suit the demographics of those without
jobs in Luton, and airport jobs won't do that. 2. Jobs: Closure
of Vauxhall created gross unemployment. Wrong. It didn't close,
and most of those who were made redundant got jobs. 3. Jobs:
Employers in Luton and surrounding areas already can't fill
the jobs there are. Even the airport has held a jobs fair recently,
obviously now trying to poach employees from elsewhere. Not
sure the other emplyers weill like that 4. Those against airport
EXPANSION aren't saying the airport should close or that those
who fly now should stop - what they are saying is that such
a huge expansion is unwarranted and beyond anyone's reasonable
expectation to have have foreseen it when moving close to it.
5. Those who don't think there's a noise or traffic problem
now therefore there won't be one in the future are WRONG. They
clearly haven't thought about how an aiport can expand from
2 million passengers in the mid 90's to *85* MILLION without
it making a gross impact on everyone's lives. Just imagine yourself
living the same distance from Heathrow now. Shouldn't be too
mentally strenuous, though not pleasant. |
| Sandra
McLouglin, Dunstable |
Friday
7 February, 2003 |
|
|
I think it would benefit the area.. since losing Vauxhall, we
have only got the airport as a big employer, and we would all
benefit from new bypasses, widening of the M1. Maybe more noise,
but some sacrifices have to be made for the benefit of the majority.
|
| Robert,
Harpenden |
Wednesday
5 February, 2003 |
|
| Message
to Mike,Luton and the rest who believe that Harpenden residents
should move if we want peace and quiet - the answer is no. No
to expansion, no to noise and air pollution (do you have children?)
and no to being told what we need. You ask us to move out of
the area if we are not happy, well to those without a job due
to Luton Council and central government policies over the last
ten years 'get on your bike' - don't expect work to come to
you withn the airport. |
| Mal,
Luton |
Sunday
2 February, 2003 |
|
| This
is my first look at this site and I see that the BANANA syndrome
is alive and well! In case you havn't figured it out for yourselves......BUILD
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ANYWHERE NEAR ANYTHING, you can change anything
for anyone if you like! |
| Terry,
Luton |
Friday
31 January, 2003 |
|
| I
Think an expansion for luton airport would be an EXCELLENT idea
as it needs to become bigger hopefully the expansion goes ahead |
| Mike,
Luton |
Friday,
31 January, 2003 |
|
|
I think the expansion is a great idea. Luton needs regeneration.
If the NIMBYs of Harpenden have a problem with it then they
should move to somewhere else. Expansion is part and parcel
of progression. Luton has to progress. The NIMBYs can keep their
noses out of our town. |
| Sue,
Harpenden |
Friday,
31 January, 2003 |
|
|
I live in Harpenden and have two views on the luton airport
expansion. Firstly IT will bring money and jobs into the town
that has otherwise lost some of its big companies. The people
that have been made redudant from these companies,the unemployed
and the young would hopefully benifit from this expansion.As
will the retailers. but the second point is the effect on the
residents in the surrounding villages.We will suffer from noise
pollution,are roads will be over stretched especially when the
motorway is closed like it was on Monday the 27 January.Our
house prices could be effected and will we be compensated for
this, I DONT THINK SO.I have lived in harpenden all my life
as have my parents and have noticed the increase in air and
road traffic during this time. |
| Roger,
Luton |
Thursday
30 January, 2003 |
|
| I
would suggest that anyone who is opposed to Luton Airport, but
who does travel by air, should stop using it. It is the increase
in demands on the airport which creates the need for expansion.
I suspect that the residents of Hitchin, Harpenden and St Alban
will all relish the prospect of a car journey around the M25
to Heathrow or Gatwick or across to Stansted.... Didn't think
so.... Luton can only prosper from the increase in work and
money it will bring to the town. Yes, Luton may not be much
to look at, but the residents deserve to prosper as much as
anyone.... |
| Vear,
Harpenden |
Thursday
30 January, 2003 |
|
| The
cost of air travel should double, reducing air congestion and
making the skies safer. It's the environment that matters -not
people's greed for travel. Easyjet are too cheap and undervalue
the pilots and the air traffic controllers. Quality comes at
a price. |
| Lisa,
Stewkley |
Wednesday
29 January, 2003 |
|
| Having
moved to this village from a town very near to Heathrow with
my partner, I was devasted to hear about the expansion plans
for Luton airport. We purposely moved out to Bedfordshire to
get away from the continous noise and pollution we have endured
for years. Having done our research and carried out all the
legal searches through our solicitor when in the act of signing
contracts to move, there was no evidence of any such plans.
If there had been any show of any kind illustrating Luton’s
wish to grow bigger we wouldn’t have proceeded with our purchase
of our current house. So like many others we are stuck in a
sitaution where if something of this scale will bring in more
revenue all round then I truly believe the individuals like
myself and my partner will not be listened to in the slightest.
Money and revenue will always prevail unfortunately and Luton’s
plans to grow bigger and change flight paths will sail through.
When at Heatrow we simply had double glazing installed free
of charge as a way of softening the blow when things like terminal
4 happened. There was no compensation for the loss to the value
of our property at the time, and so I will be very intereted
what Luton and the authorities concerned will offer us in way
of compensation throughout when this moves on. Let the villages
remain little quaint villages. Take the expansion plans somewhere
else. Not in my back yard please! |
| Christine,
Stewkley |
Tuesday
28 January, 2003 |
|
| Expanding
Luton Airport may bring in extra cash for Luton and new jobs
but all the surrounding areas like the village where I live
will suffer from more noise and pollution. With Council Tax
set to rise again this year it seems we are being penalised
on all sides. The UK is a small island. We already have too
many cars and too many people. When are we going to get our
priorities in order? Isn't it about time we started sorting
out the UK to cope with what it's got before we start expanding
things? |
| Gavin,
Wigmore, Luton |
Tuesday
28 January, 2003 |
|
|
I welcome the expansion of the airport and I live right next
door in Wigmore. With the closure of so many major manufacturing
jobs in the town over the last year of so, Luton needs a boost.
Road and rails links may not be up other airports standards
yet, but when the M1 is widened and the new relief road is built
access will be much easier. A railink to replace the shuttle
bus from the Parkway station will also make the airport more
accessable to those on the Thameslink & Midland Mainline lines.
I also hope that all the large and illegal signs currently littering
the countryside around the airport are removed soon. |
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