A MEETING is being held next Thursday (February 9) to discuss the impact of trials at Heathrow.
Brentford & Isleworth MP Mary Macleod organised the meeting, which will take place at West Thames College, in London Road, Isleworth, from 6.30pm, to give residents the chance to air their views on the ‘operational freedom’ trial.
During the four-month trial, which ends on February 29, airport chiefs have been allowed to use both runways simultaneously for departures or for arrivals in a bid to reduce delays.
Ms Macleod, who will chair the meeting, said: “Heathrow Airport is vital to the local economy and a major employer. However, it is essential the impact on residents’ quality of life is fully assessed.
“The operational freedom trial currently taking place means some people are experiencing increased disruption to their quality of life. I have decided to call a public meeting where local people can discuss any concerns with (airport operator) BAA directly.”
According to BAA’s figures, noise complaints during November and December were significantly higher than over the same period the previous two years.
However, only 148 complaints during this period were from people directly mentioning the trial.
A BAA spokeswoman said the number of complaints may have been affected by media coverage of the trial and the unusual prevalence of easterly winds, which affects flight patterns, during November.
