Hello Everyone!
No doubt you will have already learned that the planning application for the extension of the runway has been submitted to Southend Council today. It will take a couple of days to check and verify the application, and this will be followed by discussion in Council.
The time has come when we must make our views perfectly clear. We still oppose the extension; allowing this monstrous invasion will be an affront to all who live close to the airport in terms of safety and quality of life; it will mean aircraft every few minutes, taking off or landing, creating noise and pollution, disrupting lessons in local schools and disturbing the peace in our homes and gardens.
By objecting once again to the application, in writing to the Council, your own Councillors, your MP and as many local and national papers as you can, we must push for a Public Enquiry into the proposal to extend the runway.
But first, we will need to raise funds to enable us to seek legal help in the matter of the Public Enquiry. It is not something we have ever tackled before, and is not insurmountable, but we obviously need all the help we can get, and we are not afraid to ask for it! Those present at the AGM were able to formalise their membership of SAEN by purchasing a membership card. If you were not there, you will be unaware that each membership will cost only £5.00. You will need to apply for this by post to our PO Box no (SAEN, PO Box 5909, Short Street, Southend-on-sea. SS1 1AA. Don’t forget to include your name and address, as we need somewhere to post your card to! (If you feel like making a larger donation, it will be gratefully received!) By making membership official instead of arbitrary, we will have far more clout when it comes to representing you at the public enquiry, council meetings or any other official event.
No doubt, over the next few days there will be a flurry of comments posted on the web site, and all points will be addressed as they arise. There will be another bulletin next week to keep you up to date with events. Thank you for your ongoing interest and support.
SAEN committee