Birmingham International Airport
I was first elected to represent Elmdon ward in May 2002 and a matter of weeks later the government published its report into air transport in the UK; this contained reference to Birmingham International Airports (BIA) for a second runway. Since then I have worked to not only represent the residents of Elmdon ward, but those of Solihull as a whole.
Importance of BIA to regional economy
It is vital, not only to Solihull but the region as a whole, that
BIA is successful and allows businesses in our region to be
successful and compete in the global market. However I, like many
other ‘anti-second runway campaigners’, believed there was never a
business case for the proposed second runway, therefore believing
the second runway was not essential and that any
environmental damage it would cause, not merited.
Campaigning
Having ‘talked the talk’ at several public meetings I
‘walked-the-walk’, joining the march to Solihull (in 2002?). I spoke
at every council meeting held to discuss the proposals and
continually urged BIA’s management to withdraw the proposals for the
second runway, also asking them to address the inadequacies in their
compensation offer. I am proud that I have worked with my other
councillor members (of differing political persuasions), individuals
in Elmdon and Solihull and interest groups in addressing the issue
of the proposed second runway. I believe all our work was
instrumental in getting the argument across – that there was not
business case for a second runway. All our work was not wasted.
Towards 2030
BIA published its strategy ‘Towards 2030’ in autumn 2007 and have
made a planning application to extend the present (single) runway
(week commencing 7 Jan 2008). The full details will be known in the
next few weeks and whilst I welcome the application (especially the
news of no second runway) I will work to ensure the needs of the
residents of Elmdon ward are met. BIA, in its report (page 43),
informs that there are no plans or a second runway before 2030. This
statement is welcome, but flies in the face of previous reports
where it sought to build the second runway by 2015! This is
especially galling as the report goes on to state ‘…a second runway
should not be needed before 2030.’
Moving on
This ‘revamped’ website will always contain pages devoted to the
airport and it will be updated when new information is available. I
will be holding my usual ‘drop-in’ sessions when more information
(i.e. details of the planning application) is known.
Reassurance
I have continually worked to represent residents of Elmdon and will
continue to do so – that is my cast-iron promise.