I HAD to write to articulate my dismay at the apparent biased views in the Standard article titled “Airport arguments” (March 22).
The public meeting did not leave us disappointed as implied by your article. It was just such a shame that the only two councillors seen at the meeting left early.
Brian Houssart was indeed at the meeting and said nothing about his or the council’s views on airport expansion.
The only issue he raised was one of safety at the meeting. It is understood he left the meeting early.
The meeting itself has been pronounced a success by the committee of CAAG and the majority of those who attended, including some of the airport staff, who congratulated us on a well-run meeting.
There was an enormous sense of grievance in the hall about the way that ordinary people are treated by the airport authorities and local council alike.
It’s hardly surprising that emotions ran high. The meeting gave as many people as possible a chance to make their views known, as the session “from the floor” was about 90 minutes long.
This gave most people who wished to speak a good opportunity to do so. Our co-ordinator, Jon Fuller, made an excellent job of watching for hands raised, assisted by the others on the front bench.
Finally, it is surprising that someone from the Rochford end of the runway supports the expansion plans?
It won’t be St Andrew’s church, faced with removal, that stands in the way of progress and won’t be her house that has to be demolished for the run-off area.
KITI THEOBALD
CAAG Chairman
Brendon Way, Westcliff
Tags: Brian Houssart, CAAG, Kiti Theobald