I WISH to respond to Peter Lonergan, airport director of Biggin Hill Airport (News Shopper, February 22) who wishes to swell his coffers even more by attempting to obtain longer operating hours and introducing heavier jets.

The airport pays a mere £68,000 average per annum to rent this vast acreage from Bromley Council, (a High Street store in Bromley pays more in rent) and has the gall to tell us huge investment is required.

Our council has already paid more than £1.5m to have the main runway resurfaced, quite apart from the legal expenses incurred over the years in maintaining the 1994 lease.

These costs apparently being more than rental income received by the council.

Private flyers have almost abandoned the airport due to the heavy charges imposed on them and flying clubs have all but disappeared.

Jets pass directly over the Princess Royal University Hospital at 700ft to land (650ft over the maternity ward).

I suggest Mr Lonergan obtains a copy of The Case for the Community to assist him in his endeavours, some advice is contained therein.

DOUGLAS POPE
Chairman, Farnborough Park Estate Ltd