Chiswick Children's Health Would Be 'At Risk' From Third Runway
Air pollution will impact on the health of future generations say local anti-expansion campaigners
Local parents brought their children to a protest at Chiswick Common against a third Heathrow runway following new research which claims that expansion could cause more deaths from pollution.
The research from the Massachusettes Institute of Technology suggests that Heathrow aviation pollution causes 50 early deaths a year and that figure could rise to 150 if a third runway is built. Already there are 10,000 deaths from pollution in London.
Parents gathered on Chiswick Common, some bringing infants as young as two months, to express their worries about the impact of further Heathrow expansion on the next generation. Kelvin Murray, a Chiswick resident and father of two young sons, who said ‘I cannot believe the government are even considering further Heathrow expansion’ . The Bedford Park Residents Association, supported by CHATR, has organised a public meeting on Wednesday 25 November at 6.45 for 7.00 in St Michael and All Angel’s Church at Turnham Green. Everybody welcome to come and hear how further expansion of Heathrow would affect you.
‘You can join CHATR by e mailing chatr@mail.com to learn of these events'. You can sign their petition or read their Facebook page or follow the group on Twitter
Pic by Kelvin Murray
Toxicology expert Dr Ian Mudway, in a wide-ranging interview on the subject. has said " We know enough to be concerned about how London’s air pollution impacts on the health of children".
A statement from Heathrow Airport said: "Heathrow takes air pollution issues very seriously and we are taking action but local air pollution in Chiswick arises from road traffic, the vast majority of which is not related to the airport, and not airport emissions. Traffic pollution in London and on the major roads around Heathrow such as the M4 and M25 needs action from multiple partners. That is why Heathrow has called for coordinated and meaningful action from Government and City Hall for an integrated transport strategy to get cleaner vehicles onto major roads and motorways.
"The Airports Commission has been clear that the mitigation measures Heathrow is proposing to deliver in partnership with key stakeholders across London will be effective in tackling emissions around the airport. Heathrow's new plans don’t force a choice between the environment and the economy – they will deliver for both.”
Local MP Ruth Cadbury is also supporting the campaign. ‘We should be concerned for the health of future generations. We know and the government knows, that continuous overflying affects children’s health and their learning in schools.’
As an anti-expansion campaigner for for 15 years, she says: ‘I don’t want to be responsible for blighting their futures’.
CHATR say that residents who object to Heathrow expansion should register their protest by writing to David Cameron and George Osborne directly. It’s important to remind the Prime Minister that he made a promise that there would not be a 3rd runway at Heathrow. The Chancellor is one of the strongest advocates for Heathrow in the Cabinet. A letter to him is important too, they say.
The Prime Minister’s address is
Rt Hon David Cameron MP
The Prime Minister
10 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA
George Osborne's address is:
The Chancellor of the Exchequer,
HM Treasury
1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ
To find out about future events, e mail Chatr chatr@mail.com
November 2, 2015