Heathrow 3rd runway - Who else is outraged?

[NSB]

Apparently we are going to be in the flight path for runway 3 in sunny Carshalton

[Garyw]

You mean dictator for Life Gordon Brown has done something people dont argee with??

Shock and horror ........... actually I'm not so aggrevied by the fact its for a new runway as I am by the way the government has bulldozed another thing through parliment even though they dont have a majority and regardless of the thoughts and wishes of the people who voted them in (or didnt in my case)

As for the People of Sipson ect it is a crying shame and I really cant see why we need to expand the airport!

[SarzWix]

My initial reaction is one of horror - the thought of bulldozing a whole village for the sake of a runway is abhorrent to me. But I will admit to not being very well informed on the issue - I've only been on a plane once in the last 15 years and that was to go to my sister's wedding! My dad, who is a business traveller, assures me that the extra capacity is needed somewhere, because otherwise international companies will decide to make their European headquarters in Germany or somewhere instead of here.

So, I would ask why Gatwick can't be expanded instead? Or Stansted?

Whatever happens, I certainly don't think Gordon has won himself more votes...

[bluemoon]

Oh well, my brother coming over from New Zealand in August to see his family is obviously pointless, polluting and anti social. W e can Skype instead I suppose

No, but 'business' meetings and conferences which could be done via computer are. Cheap flights to destinations which, in the end, resemble Blackpool are. Flights whose only purpose is to lug asparagus to Europe from Peru are. There's always going to be some air travel, but I think the time has come to make it more difficult, not easier. Businessmen certainly don't need to fly off on 'jollies' these days. I have family too, including a new-born grandson, I'd like the planet to have some resources left for him and his grandchildren and to be at least inhabitable.

Also I think I'm probably the only person who mourns the pure, blue skies I can remember from childhood. Now they're always crosshatched by vapour trails. Probably not harmful in themselves, but visually polluting nonetheless.

PS, I don't know what Skype is!!!!!

PPS, I hope you have a good time with your brother too.

[HeyWayne]

So, I would ask why Gatwick can't be expanded instead? Or Stansted?

Stansted is.

There's no need to a runway - we just need to do what the Americans are doing - land in the Thames!

[SlugLobber]

So, I would ask why Gatwick can't be expanded instead? Or Stansted?

Gatwick is already surrounded by other industrial buildings, so there isn't scope for expansion.

No wait, so is Heathrow...

Anyhoo, in response to Piglet, I don't think anyone resents people visiting their family, but go to any airport and the majority of travellers are of to business meetings of a weekend or less - this is mostly unnecessary. I've been to such meetings and the cost and journey is a waste of time. Meetings which could quite easily happen through video-conferencing facilities. In addition, if you have to drive anywhere near Heathrow AS IT IS, you will know what a nightmare it is. heaven help us when MORE people are on the roads (let's face it, the same people who fly for a one day meeting are hardly likely to be slumming it on public transport).

Besides which, if I knew that my 'holiday' was possible only because some people lost their homes and livelihoods, I would not want to go. Call me oversensitive, but I just couldn't have that on my conscience. I certainly won't be taking any flights from Heathrow Terminal 6. I'm half tempted to never fly again.

[HeyWayne]

Meetings which could quite easily happen through video-conferencing facilities. In addition, if you have to drive anywhere near Heathrow AS IT IS, you will know what a nightmare it is. heaven help us when MORE people are on the roads (let's face it, the same people who fly for a one day meeting are hardly likely to be slumming it on public transport).

And for those of us who don't have video conferencing facilities? I generally don't have any choice if I get called to a meeting. No actually I do, but not having a job is hardly an option...

[allotmentlady]

Another lie by the government. Its shocking and disgusting, we dont need it, want it....it must be worrying for the peeps that live in the villages. I hope they protest. Then again, the government wont listen to the people that elected it in, after all we are just the mugs that have to do as we are told, cos if we protest, they will bring in some legislation to stop us.

[bluemoon]

And for those of us who don't have video conferencing facilities? I generally don't have any choice if I get called to a meeting. No actually I do, but not having a job is hardly an option...

But video conferencing has got to be cheaper than flying people around continually. I'd have thought it would have paid for itself incredibly quickly. Anyway, it's not your fault you are sent to meetings, it's your employer who should be made to see things differently.

[allotmentlady]

But video conferencing has got to be cheaper than flying people around continually. I'd have thought it would have paid for itself incredibly quickly. Anyway, it's not your fault you are sent to meetings, it's your employer who should be made to see things differently.

video conferencing would also help cut down carbon emissions aswell, i mean its cheaper and faster, maybe..........

[Paul Wagland]

And for those of us who don't have video conferencing facilities?

Surely all you need is a webcam and a bit of software? That's almost as cheap as a Ryanair flight - and you get more legroom!

[bluemoon]

video conferencing would also help cut down carbon emissions aswell, i mean its cheaper and faster, maybe..........

I doubt it will ever happen, too many people think of these foreign meetings as 'perks'.

[HeyWayne]

I doubt it will ever happen, too many people think of these foreign meetings as 'perks'.

Sorry, but anyone who's ever been on these meetings wouldn't say so.

Leaving the house at 4:30 in the morning, faffing about at the airport - security, check-in etc, sitting on a cramped plane for an hour and a half, then waiting around for a car at the other end, being driven along a boring featureless motorway time after time, sitting in a meeting all day, then doing it all in reverse, having to drive for an hour and a half and not getting in until 10:30 that night.

Hardly what I'd consider a "perk"!

[HeyWayne]

Surely all you need is a webcam and a bit of software? That's almost as cheap as a Ryanair flight - and you get more legroom!

I've had trouble today finding a computer with sound, let alone anything like webcams!

[SueA]

I don't think the expansion is actually going to happen.They say it will take years for the planning process etc. anyway & I've heard that it's just a ploy to get us all up in arms against expansion at Heathrow & suggesting other airports instead & that this will then be pushed through by the government who will be able to say 'well you said expand Gatwick/Stansted/Manchester/Leeds not Heathrow so we have done!'
It's disgusting though that people have to be turfed out of their homes when there is surely suitable land elsewhere. If the plan does go ahead hopefully the Greenpeace land purchase will stall it a little.