Great news for airport campaigners1 March 2011
Great news from local campaigners in Southend - plans to expand Southend airport have suffered a setback.
South East Essex Friends of the Earth have opposed plans to extend the runway at their local airport since they were first announced.
They've worked with the campaigning group Stop Airport Extension Now (SAEN) to increase public awareness of the issue.
Welcome news
A key part of the airport's plans to extend the runway involves closing Eastwoodbury Lane - the road which passes right across the end of the current runway.
But there'll now have to be a public inquiry into whether this should happen.
The decision to allow this road to be closed rests with the Government. Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Transport, has called for the inquiry after a large number of objections from the public.
This is the first time that the runway extension will receive public scrutiny so it's excellent news for our campaign.
Denis Walker, Coordinator of South East Essex Friends of the Earth
Local concerns
Local residents will be able to have their say about the runway extension.
Since the runway can't be extended without closing Eastwoodbury Lane, the airport's plans are effectively halted for the time being.
Get involved
Friends of the Earth groups are campaigning on issues local to them.
Find a Friends of the Earth group near you and make a difference where you live.
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