The future is uncertain for an energy company providing jobs and power to homes in Hillingdon , in the run up to a decision on a third runway at Heathrow Airport .
London Assembly Member for Hillingdon, Dr Onkar Sahota AM, visited Lakeside Energy from Waste plant in Slough, which could be forced to relocate.
Dr Sahota heard concerns that 200 local jobs could be lost if the third runway at Heathrow is approved.
The decision on the third runway was delayed by six months last week .
The Labour Assembly Member said business like Lakeside, which coverts waste from local boroughs into energy, would not only survive but grow if the focus was on making Heathrow a “better, not bigger, airport”.
The Lakeside Energy from Waste plant converts local residential and commercial waste into energy, making enough power each year to supply 56,000 homes, the equivalent of every home in Slough.
The cost of relocating the plant would mount up to £350 million.
Dr Onkar Sahota AM, said: “The Lakeside Energy from Waste plant provides a hugely important service to Hillingdon and the local area.
“Not only is the plant a vital part of our local waste infrastructure but the Lakeside complex delivers secure employment for approximately 200 local people and makes a firm contribution to our local economy.
The AM for Ealing and Hillingdon is “highly concerned” that businesses such as these would be forced out of the area, if the government chooses to pursue proposals to build a third runway at Heathrow.
He added: “What we need is a better, not bigger, airport which won’t only allow local business to survive, but would allow them to grow too. That is what I will be fighting for.”
