Representation by Tim Bentley
- Date submitted
- 6 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for the opportunity to express me personal thoughts regarding Manston Airport. I would urge you to support the restablishment of Manstonas an airport for the following reasons:
(1) - As a former customer of the various airlines that provided flights to Edinburgh and Schipol, the latter joining KLMs outstanding international hub I cannot emphasise the convenience to East Kent enough in terms of useful air links, ease of access, and sensible parking unlike the current options. Travel time and access through the Thanet Way and surrounding infrastructure is short and direct, and with the planned installation of a railway stop at Cliffsend, the ability to access our local airport would be excellent for passengers and freight. At the moment, it is somewhat of a chore to travel to Heathrow or Gatwick, expensive in terms of rail travel or car parking, and inconvenient for the region to fly short haul for business or leisure - it feels like the hassle isn’t worth it.
(2) - Thanet is an employment blackspot. High rates of multi-generational unemployed could start to be alleviated by the aviation industry and commerce on our doorstep. With the loss of the old airport, and the closure of Pfizer in Sandwich in the recent decade, Thanet needs investment in industry, not housing. The reality of industrial investment is that manufacturing is not an option, building services are necessarily fixed in lifespan - once you’ve built the houses the jobs have finished, so the service industry seems to be the way forward. An airport would bring many jobs in the service sector and have longevity, if suitably managed and realistic plans are implemented.
(3) - I’m a Paramedic. On many occasions I’ve had to rely on Air Ambulance and Coastguard air rescue in my work in supporting my treatment of patients and in getting them to us in the first place. A return of rescue services and the associated support network would greatly enhance care in the area. Travel to a major trauma centre by Road is an hour and a quarter by road, and travel to the coming High Acuity Stroke Centre will be an hour. Time has a direct correlation to recovery, and support from Manston based resources could very well save lives.
(4) - Brexit - as the deadline approaches it is perhaps all the more important to ensure that communication and travel links with the world are enhanced to facilitate the United Kingdom’s ongoing trade and travel needs if the UK has to stand alone. Manston with its excellent size is capable of shouldering much of the burden of cargo and short haul travel needs freeing Gatwick and Heathrow capacity for passenger use, saving the need for additional runway construction perhaps.
Thank you again for allowing me to express my personal opinion.
Tim Bentley