I wonder how much they Back Heathrow

I AM writing in response to the one-sided nature of the three ‘Cost of fighting Heathrow’ letters, (Gazette 11.1.17). Firstly I find it very unlikely that within the same week three (or more) persons have written letters, extremely similar in content, supporting Heathrow expansion and/or condemning LBH [London Borough of Hillingdon].]

The unpalatable suggestion that Back Heathrow is responsible is hardly without precedent as they have previously conducted similar “grass roots”campaigns where it is believed that they were in fact behind letters and news stories.

Secondly, it is extremely unfair and cowardly of Back Heathrow to attempt to shame LBH by publishing how much the borough has spent challenging the building of a third runway without being honest enough to disclose how much they have received from the airline industry to support it. An amount I imagine, that would match and most likely exceed that spent by Hillingdon Council; will Back Heathrow now take the opportunity to inform us so that transparency prevails on all sides?

Heathrow expansion is a complex and emotive issue and the council has a difficult path to tread was they must take into account the likely catastrophic damage to the southern part of the borough alongside the claimed benefits that expansion may allegedly bring for others.

Perhaps the authors of the letters would like to visit Harmondsworth and Sipson and explain to residents why business travellers or those lucky enough to afford foreign holidays are more important than those whose homes will be demolished and those that will find runway 3 at the end of their garden; these people will lose their businesses, a school, long term neighbours, friends and their wider community.

PAUL O’CONNOR

Sipson Road

West Drayton