COUNCILLOR Steve Curran promised yesterday that residents in the Borough of Hounslow will be heard after Heathrow airport got the go-ahead for a third runway.

The expansion of Heathrow has long been a controversial topic in the borough and Mr Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, believes that a better, not bigger airport is required.

Mr Curran, who had previously stated that he wanted a better and successful Heathrow, is keen for his residents to voice their opinions with the expansion due to have major implications on the area.

In a statement from Hounslow Council, Mr Curran said: “The announcement by the government to support expansion at Heathrow Airport with a new runway, will obviously have a huge impact on the residents and businesses of Hounslow.

“It will have significant long term implications for our borough and I can guarantee residents and businesses that we will make sure their voice is heard in the National Policy Statement [NPS] consultation on the new runway. Our position as a Council has not changed, we want a better, not bigger Heathrow Airport.”

Mr Curran’s priority is to now ensure that improvements in the local area continue and that the local residents achieve the best possible outcome from the decision.

He added: “We will however, work with Heathrow on behalf of our residents and businesses, many of whom are employed directly at Heathrow or are part of the supply chain, to ensure the best possible outcome and to reduce any adverse effects of the decision.

“We have already achieved some local improvements, particularly for our schools, this work must continue.”