CAMPAIGNERS who have fought to protect their loved ones final resting place from a dual carriageway will meet tonight (Wednesday) with the battle seemingly won.
Members of the Cherry Lane Against Development (CLAD) group will meet at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Botwell Lane, Hayes, at 7.30pm.
The meeting had been planned to discuss further ways to pressure Heathrow Airport owner BAA to scrap its plan for a link road to the M4 at Cherry Lane Cemetery, in Shepiston Lane, Harlington.
However, last night BAA issued a statement announcing its commitment that no road will be built anywhere near the cemetery boundaries.
It explained the Department for Transport (DfT) had asked it to provide plans for a number of possible road layouts which could one day provide access to a sixth terminal.
It says the option which included the cemetery was the one published by the Government but that following the consultation with residents an alternative would now be considered.
It does not expect any detailed work to be done until the Government announces whether it supports expansion at Heathrow.
Mike Forster, BAAÕs strategy and regulation director, said: "I regret any distress caused to local residents during this period of uncertainty and hope that ruling out any option that affects Cherry Lane cemetery will provide a firm guarantee to local people and put the minds of local people at ease."
Chairwoman of the campaign Natasha LaMothe, from Hayes, is reported to be pleased with the annoucement but is seeking a 'cast-iron guarentee' as she does not want to have to reactivate the campaign in a few years time.
Local residents have also expressed concern regarding a potential car park to be built north of any new development associated with a third runway at
Heathrow and BAA is also making it clear that this will not be built on the cemetery.
John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, will also be at the meeting tonight to answer questions and give his view on the announcement.
