I would like to comment on the letter 'Our survey finds little R3 support' in the October 15 edition of the Gazette.
Focussing on the links between the companies mentioned in the Future Heathrow newspaper advert and aviation is a total red herring, detracting from the fact that Heathrow expansion is vital for the local economy.
Businesses across London and the wider area are hugely supportive of Heathrow expansion, not just those mentioned in the advert.
In a recent West London Business Sentiment Survey, 78 per cent of businesses in West London believed that Heathrow has an important impact on the West London economy.
Heathrow expansion was viewed as the number one factor that would have the most important effect on business in West London in the future, with 54 per cent of companies (73 per cent of large companies) supporting a third runway. Furthermore, West London Business have also stated that: 'Without further modernisation and expansion, West London's £32.4 billion economy will suffer."
When you factor in that a third runway at Heathrow,also has support from the CBI, the TUC, the London Chamber of Commerce, London First and Thames Valley Economic Partnership as well as many individual firms, it is difficult to come to any conclusion other than the fact that businesses are thoroughly behind the case for Heathrow expansion, within strict environmental standards.
DAMON HUNT,
head of media, BAA, Bath Road,
Hayes.
