SOUTHAMPTON Airport prides itself on being a 'breeze through' experience.
In its masterplan, now out for consultation, it wants to build 170 meters more runway so that two million more passengers, in aircraft twice their current size, can 'breeze through' in ten years' time.
But what benefits does this bring Southampton, Eastleigh and Shawford? The new jobs that are claimed in the Masterplan are not ringfenced for residents of Southampton and Eastleigh. The additional profits will go to the airport's major shareholders in Spain and Australia.
The extra passengers will 'breeze through' but not spend or see anything in the city. They will 'breeze through' to the cruise ships and up the motorways and rail tracks. What they will leave behind is greater noise for many residents and increased air pollution across the entire city from the docks to the airport and beyond.
Isn't it time we reclaimed the skies over Southampton and Eastleigh for the benefit of all who want to live here and not just those who 'breeze through'?
Clive Gamble
Bitterne Park
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