17 stooges will decide future of the airport (From Echo)

17 stooges will decide future of the airport

1:28pm Monday 21st December 2009 in News

My house, which I have lived in since 1953, is directly under the flight path of Southend Airport.

I have experienced all the developments over the years, such as the Carvairs, which stopped all conversation as they passed overhead because it was impossible to hear. I have seen and heard it all.

Not surprisingly, I have followed the debate on the runway extension with interest. Apart from the occasional older aircraft being maintained there, there is significantly less noise than in the past.

Indeed some days one hardly hears anything.

However, there seems to be a lack of clarity, honesty even, on what the future user is to be and its potential impact, noise wise. If it means a return to the Carvair days then I would certainly object, but if modern quieter aircraft are to be used, then I doubt we would notice much difference.

It still worries me, though, that this could be the “thin end of the wedge”.

Nor am I convinced on the transport issue. Granted, some people will use the new rail station, but if passenger services are developed my bet is that a high number will travel by road.

To get to Rochford by rail, will involve, unless you live between Shenfield and Liverpool Street, interchanges, some including the Underground.

Or, alternatively, jump in the car and drive. I know what I would prefer to do and do so for Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted for the reasons I have stated.

So my main concern is the impact on our roads and I have not even considered the freight element.

We have 51 elected councillors, of which only 17 on the planning committee are deemed capable of voting on the plans. Hardly a democratic process when the other 34 are gagged!

Why did we waste our time voting in the remaining 34 to represent us?

After all the 17 must be endowed with the wisdom of Solomon to be seen to be impartial, capable of making judgement on something so significant.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft has stated these people have training to make informed decisions, reinforcing the point the other 34 are surplus to requirements.

However, does this “training” or “brainwashing”

not ensure they all think alike, follow the rule of the day and come up with the answer that is expected of them?

Certainly unable to think outside the circle then!

Seems it will be these same people who have procrastinated for many years on the development of the pier, allowed York Road Market to crumble, allowed the characterless flats eyesore now being constructed opposite Sainsburys, replaced our once grand illuminations with six lamp-posts showing different colours – how exciting – the destruction of Warrior Square and just about anything else that was once worthwhile in Southend.

Right or wrong, majority decisions by all 51 of our elected representatives, on our behalf, I am prepared to accept, but by 17 chosen stooges, on such an important issue, is a step too far.

MP David Amess is right, we do need a public inquiry.

With a bit of luck we might just get a bit of democracy into the whole process.

Mike Hansford
Blenheim Chase
Leigh