Children show runway message
Flags on parade as residents say no to expansion
HEATHROW Villagers and their children staged a march and unfurled murals they made - declaring ‘home is where the art is’ – in a show of defiance against a Third Runway.
HEATHROW Villagers and their children created murals and flags and staged a march through Harmondsworth and Harlington to send a message to airport bosses: ‘hands off our community’.
Artworks created by youngsters were displayed on lampposts as part of opposition to a third Heathrow runway which would result in demolition of hundreds of homes.
The event on Friday May 29 was timed to coincide with the end of a consultation on air quality, in which Heathrow Airport insisted data showed it could safely expand while keeping local air quality within legal limits.
Rose Wood, co-founder of community group Harts (Heathrow Arts) said: “The show of community spirit was incredible. This is our home and community and we’re not going to let the airport try and expand in our home.
“The children loved the flag-making and they loved the whole day. It’s incredibly empowering for them to see their work up on the roads in their villages in their community.”
A parade took place from the green at Harmondsworth to St Peter and St Paul’s Church Hall in Harlington where celebrations and speeches took place. Speaking on the day, John Stewart, chair of HACAN, said: “The colourful parade through Harmondsworth and the other villages showed just how much local people value their communities.
“If a third runway goes ahead at Heathrow at least 700 homes would be demolished and people in the remaining houses will be faced with a lifetime of pollution and noise.
“Today showed they have the spirit to resist it.”
Harts are looking for artists and locals to get involved in more community projects including murals.
If you’re interested email communityharts@ gmail.com.