Representation by David O’Sullivan
- Date submitted
- 9 November 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Frequent Gatwick user who hates driving past LGW to get to Heathrow. I have lived in Crawley for 35years plus. I worked at Gatwick for 20years and saw what a valuable resource it is for the local economy. I can not understand why those opposed to Gatwick expansion are happy to see the business go to Heathrow, along with the jobs and income from local taxes. Our local MP opposes Gatwick development and follows the party line in supporting the expansion of anywhere but Gatwick. It’s short sighted and a prima facie case of NIMBYism. Of course, it’s not just the presence of the airport, it’s the ancillary and support industries, who keep the local population employed, contributing millions each year to the local economy. We saw the devastating effect that the airport’s closure during Covid had on the economy of Crawley and its environs. The airport was here before the vast majority of those who oppose any further development. They chose to live here. Would any of them be prepared to see huge increases in Community tax that would arrive at their door in the event of the departure of lots of airlines to a three runway Heathrow?