ISSUE: Night Flights                       

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Wandsworth Council welcome Lords vote to retain night flight limits

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Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister has welcomed yesterdays vote by the Lords to retain a movements limit on night flights at Heathrow.

It was the second time the Lords had defeated the Gievrnment on its proposal in the Civil Aviation Bill. In March the majority was 40 - today's margin of victory was 57.

Cllr Lister saiid:

“All planes are noisy before 6am. If ministers were genuinely concerned about the disruption to people’s sleep they would be cutting back on the numbers of flights at this time - not removing the only worthwhile protection residents have.

“Despite everything the Government says our research shows that planes are not getting quieter. An upper limit on movements is a simple, objective form of protection that everyone can understand, which is precisely why it was ordered by the courts 13 years ago.

“This is a huge environmental issue for councils in south and west London and Berkshire. We are all delighted at the strong stand taken by the Lords. After today's increased majority in the Lords we would hope ministers finally get the message and abandon this deeply unpopular measure.”

Local councils backing the Lords’ amendment include Wandsworth, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow, Merton, Richmond and Windsor and Maidenhead.

June 29, 2006

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