CAMPAIGNERS against a possible third runway at Heathrow Airport are stepping up the crusade this week with a rally.

The No Third Runway Action Group (NoTRAG), the official protest organisation, has organised a march for Saturday, June 7. It will follow the route of the proposed third runway, finishing up with a rally and a party.

The walk goes through the villages which will be affected by a third runway.

Walkers will be able to enjoy the sites of listed buildings and green belt land which would be wiped out if a third runway was to go ahead.

Local MPs, including MP for Hayes and Harlington John McDonnell who has campaigned consistently against a third runway, will walk with members of the public and will speak out at the rally against the Heathrow expansion.

The consultation on the Government's options for a third runway comes to an end on June 30 and if the option for Heathrow goes ahead, the runway would plough through the villages of Sipson and Harmondsworth.

The Government's own figures show that thousands of west Londoners will suffer extreme noise and nitrogen dioxide air pollution caused by airports and increased road traffic.

It is estimated that some 35,000 people would be exposed to levels of nitrogen dioxide that would breach EU standards.

To meet acceptable standards for air quality, the homes of 35,000 people would have to be demolished.

John Stewart, of pressure group HACAN Clearskies, said: "The new runway would compound the misery of thousands who already suffer intense aircraft noise under the existing flightpaths, as they will be plagued by more and more big planes, whilst whole areas of London and the Thames Valley will be under new flightpaths.

"We urge everyone to respond to the government's consultation on airport capacity."

The march starts at 11.30am on Saturday, June 7 at Harlington Green, Harlington High Street, with the rally being held two miles away in Harmondsworth at 1pm.

May 29, 2003 12:00