Representation by Malcolm Rendle
- Date submitted
- 3 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am contacting you to express my views on the future of Manston Airport. I wish first off to make it clear that I do not express these opinions based on some whimsical nostalgic connection with the past, though my grandfather was indeed based there during the war whilst serving in the RAF, and I learnt to fly there back in the 1980's. However not withstanding this I speak as a long standing resident of Thanet who has seen the Isle degenerate into an area of overcrowding and as a result social deprivation, brought about by an influx of population to an area that does not have the employment infrastructure to cope. The last thing we need is more housing! We cannot cope with any further increase in population without first exploiting every opportunity to increase employment potential and as a result increase the overall wealth of the area. In my opinion, re opening Manston as an airport is by far the most beneficial use of the site. This would lead to recruitment opportunities across a wide spectrum of disciplines and skills, particularly suited to those living in the area, many of whom lack formal qualifications and as such have little hope of other gainful employment. Manston has always boasted one of the longest runways in Britain, and as such is more than capable of handling the ever increasing size and weight of aircraft within the commercial aviation sector. It is ideally located for easy access to the continent , it's main runway pointing directly to France, a legacy of it's wartime role as a master diversion airfield. I see this as a timely opportunity, when other airports are creaking with excessive demand, to use Manston as a cost effective way to relieve the pressure, even as initially a freight hub, which I believe is the preferred option for it's planned use. It has good road links to the rest of the country only being a few short miles from the major link with the M2 Motorway, without disrupting the local population. The main London rail route passes close by which lends itself to providing a simple and cost effective railfreight spur direct to the airport. We need to exploit this opportunity to create much needed jobs in the area, and I put it to you that this is the only viable option for the site. Retail outlets are closing everywhere with some of the biggest high street names closing stores as fast as landlords will let them, we cannot go on expecting the retail trade to provide the jobs for this overpopulated area. It needs the diversity that an active airport will provide. Please do not waste this chance to help revitalise this dying island.