Luton Flights To Rocket

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th May 2008

Fears about a massive rise in the number of flights out of Luton airport have been confirmed with news that the number will increase from 82,000 in 2007 to 130,000 by 2020. Of these approximately 25,000 or 68 flights per day will be domestic flights within the UK.

The figures were given by environment Minister Jim Fitzpatrick in response to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Norman Baker MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary. Mr Baker has also tabled a series of questions relating specifically to the impact of the growth in flights on Chesham and surrounding villages. These have yet to be answered by the Government.

Seb Berry, Chairman of Great Missenden, Prestwood and Heath End Liberal Democrats said "these figures demonstrate that simply opposing the proposed new Luton flight paths over the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not enough. We need to halt New Labour's airport expansion policy which is being pursued regardless of its massive environmental cost and social impact on local communities. Without that, villages and towns in Buckinghamshire will continue to be pitched against each other as Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and other south east airports grow unchecked."