A giant 'no' to Heathrow (From Ealing Times)

A giant 'no' to Heathrow

9:30am Thursday 15th May 2008

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THOUSANDS of people opposing airport expansion will unite at a carnival to create a giant human 'No'.

The mass event on May 31 will see hundreds of Hillingdon residents joining with politicians and residents from other boroughs.

The march will start at Hatton Cross tube station at 12 noon and protesters will walk via the Heathrow Perimeter Road and Bath Road to Sipson Recreation Ground, in Sipson Way.

Once in Sipson, the crowds will spell out a giant human "No" to expansion at Heathrow, which will be visible from the air.

The rally is being organised by the Stop Heathrow Expansion campaign, which is backed by community groups, charities, politicians and local authorities under the 2M group.

Pressure groups, residents and politicians will unite to show how many people would be affected by expansion and highlight the masses of people who are against the proposals.

MP John McDonnell, (Lab) for Hayes and Harlington, told the Hillingdon Times: "We are on a tipping point in terms of the government's decision.

"The pressure that we have mounted right across the nation, in London and in the South East is demonstrating the opposition to the expansion of Heathrow.

"We are close to a decision so the timing of this is absolutely critical in terms of pushing the government over expansion."

Brian Sobey, chairman of Sipson Residents association, said: "It's a bit difficult to say what the Government are going to do but you're looking at the possibility they are going to make a decision of some kind at the end of June or the begining of July."

He added: "It's a fun day with a serious purpose. I would say that if Greenpeace get the kind of numbers they are expecting it will have an effect.

"There is no point doing it if we don't believe that, is there?"

The main road in Sipson will be closed off and there will be stalls, food, drink and children's activities including bouncy castles and face-painting.

Special buses are planned to ferry people back to the tube and rail stations.

The rally is likely to be the last event of its kind before transport secretary Ruth Kelly announces her decision on proposals for a new third runway and increased use of existing runways.

Anybody who wants to take part should arrange to meet at Hatton Cross tube station on the Piccadilly line at 12 noon on Saturday, May 31. Activities will continue into the afternoon and early evening, and the day is expected to end at around 7pm.

The Stop Heathrow Expansion Campaign said: "This is our big chance to pile on the pressure. We expect this to be the biggest demonstration against expansion in Heathrow's history "It will be all legal and peaceful but thousands of people marching will send a powerful message to the Government."

You can find out more about proposals for the day by visiting www.make-a-noise.org

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