NORTH KENT: Boris Johnson tests water for Thames Estuary airport plan (From News Shopper)
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NORTH KENT: Boris Johnson tests water for Thames Estuary airport plan
9:47am Saturday 24th January 2009 in Latest News © Press Association and news reporter
Boris Johnson has stoked the debate over plans to expand Heathrow
Boris Johnson has stoked the debate over plans to expand Heathrow by sailing into the Thames Estuary in search of a possible site for a new airport.
The Mayor of London was accompanied by a team of engineers aboard a 400ft dredger on Friday as he tested the waters for the proposal to build an airport on an artificial island in the estuary.
Mr Johnson hopes the proposal could be a viable alternative to the Government's controversial plans to build a third runway at Heathrow.
He said: "(The) trip has reaffirmed in my mind that a new airport in the Thames Estuary has got to be factored in as an option for London's long-term aviation needs."
But members of Kent County Council criticised the plans. Leader of the council Paul Carter said: "Environmentally and ecologically it's a very bad idea to build an airport off one of the most beautiful coastlines in the South East.
"To say it will be an eyesore is the understatement of the year. It would be totally horrendous.
"I know all the residents will be absolutely furious about this. The council will meet on Monday morning and we will look at all the weapons that are at out disposal to fight this proposal."
Joining the mayor on his recce of the estuary was Nick Raynsford MP, chairman of a new cross-party parliamentary group on the proposal for an airport in the estuary.
He said: "I have always believed that the estuary was a potential site for London's main airport and Friday's visit has reinforced that view.
"This will give the prospect of meeting airport capacity for south-east England in the most environmentally responsible way."
Comments(2)
fredbassit
says...
2:47pm Sat 24 Jan 09
regarding this new airport whats wrong with all these disused military airfields ??
there is greenham common , bentwaters and woodbridge along with many others unused or only used as industrial estates most have some of the longest runways in the country , also where top gear comes from Dunsfold even has a jumbo sitting there so they can land ???
come on a bit of common sense
Graham Pennells
says...
6:07pm Sat 24 Jan 09
fredbassit wrote:What about Manston? But we should be looking at an even bigger picture. Not far away is the Channel Tunnel rail link with fast trains to London and Europe. Also the Thames is nearby with it's first crossing point miles away at Dartford and we will soon be needing a replacement for the Thames Barrier.
i like Boris , he has already come up with some really good ideas ..
regarding this new airport whats wrong with all these disused military airfields ??
there is greenham common , bentwaters and woodbridge along with many others unused or only used as industrial estates most have some of the longest runways in the country , also where top gear comes from Dunsfold even has a jumbo sitting there so they can land ???
come on a bit of common sense
All this could be incorporated into one massive project. A new airport based at Manston or preferably in the Thames Estuary with fast rail links to London, and Europe. Also we should build a tidal barrier across the Thames Estuary carrying fast road and rail links into Stanstead and the North. The barrier would incorporate locks for ships to pass and also have tidal power generators.
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