T5 Go-Ahead: The decision to approve Terminal 5 has drawn a mixed response from politicians.

Ealing North MP Steve Pound described it as 'a grim inevitability', while Ealing Council, which opposed it, said it would now be working to 'maximise the advantages'. Ealing Southall MP Piara Khabra, meanwhile, welcomed it.

Mr Khabra said: "I have been a staunch supporter from the beginnning. The environmental lobby is not happy with me but I believe Mr Byers addressed all the relevant issues and I prefer to look at the wider implications."

Mr Pound commented: "I think that T5 was a grim inevitability. I have my reservations, as I'm still worried about what it will do to the local ecology, but I'm pleased that night flights will be cut back."

Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush MP Clive Soley said: "It was a very difficult balance to get right but I think the decision made was the correct one.

"One of the main reasons west London survived the two recessions in the 1980s so well was Heathrow and the jobs it provides."

Ealing Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Policy, Cllr Stephen Sears, said: "We must work to ensure that the development incorporates the 'mitigation measures' we need to tackle the problems we put to the inquiry.

"We have to maximise the advantages to our community and eliminate as far we can its disadvantages."

November 22, 2001 12:00