No sooner had he got his feet under the table today than Heathrow's new boss faced a stinging rebuke over its record on school insulation.

John Holland-Kaye today (Monday, July 1) replaced Colin Matthews as chief executive of the airport and was immediately challenged by Brentford & Isleworth MP Mary Macleod.

She again accused Heathrow of 'dragging its feet' over a commitment to provide noise insulation and ventilation at schools under the flight paths.

"John Holland-Kaye takes over as CEO at an interesting and challenging time for Heathrow airport. I want Heathrow to be 'better not bigger' and to achieve that it must work closely with local residents," said Ms Macleod.

"In the past, there is no doubt Heathrow has dragged its feet to meet the requirements first outlined more than a decade ago to ensure our schools have adequate noise insulation and ventilation.

"At a recent visit to a local primary school in the borough, I was shocked to hear that oxygen levels in the classroom are often so low that pupils struggle to stay awake, let alone concentrate.

"They are unable to open windows because of the noise, and ventilation facilities in the classrooms are inadequate.

"I have already written to John to make my views clear and will be meeting him later this month to ensure that this is one of his top priorities."

Ms Macleod previously raised the issue in May when Heathrow announced plans for a £250 million compensation package for those living under the flight paths should it get the go-ahead for a third runway.

Mr Holland Kaye responded at the time that Heathrow was 'working actively' with Hounslow Council to complete the planned school improvements.

Heathrow's sustainability director Matt Gorman said insulation work had been completed at the vast majority of the 50 community buildings earmarked for work.

He added that ventilation work would be carried out after pilot schemes at a handful of those properties had been fully reviewed.

After visiting two primary schools on his first day in the role, Mr Holland-Kaye promised to complete glazing work at schools by April next year. He also pledged to review the airport's existing school insulation programme.