COMPENSATION is being sought to boost the flagging local economy, which has been rocked by severe job cuts and the air industry recession.

Feltham and Heston MP Alan Keen has joined fellow member John McDonnell from Hayes and Harlington ward in calling for government support 'both financial and practical' to help counter the fall in flight demand following the US terrorist attacks.

Representatives from the affected air carriers, their staff and several unions are expected to support the MPs when they meet with Transport minister John Speller on Monday, November 5 at Heathrow Airport.

Mr McDonnell said: "We'll be discussing a plan for the residents and local companies affected by the recent events in terms of financial settlements and re-employment programmes."

The meeting comes after discussions held on Wednesday last week (Oct 17) between the Transport Minister, Mr Keen and Mr McDonnell to explain the impact of the recent terrorist attacks.

Mr McDonnell said: "It is now clear that the terrorist attacks have exacerbated the problems which the airport industry was already experiencing from the current downturn in economic activity."

He added that as well as staff directly employed by the airline industry, local businesses would also needed assistance in the coming months and a number of initiatives should be provided such as welfare benefits, pensions and alternative employment opportunities.

He concluded: "There is an urgent need to reassure our communities that we are doing everything we can to assist them at this difficult and dangerous time."

By.Michael Lau