Firms urge Heathrow expansion

Source: Construction Digital

Date :15/09/2008 13:41:36

Plans for a third runway to be built at Heathrow airport have been supported by 100 top UK firms.

The firm's, including Balfour Beatty, Costain, British Chambers of Commerce and Carillion, have given their backing for the third runway, as long as it is built “within strict environmental standards”.

A statement from the 100 companies said: "Heathrow airport is vital for business. It offers the direct connections which make our companies globally successful, and which will be all the more important as India and China grow.

"That's been recognised by our European competitors – Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt airports will each have at least four runways by 2012. And that's why Heathrow needs a third runway built within strict environmental standards. Britain is at the heart of the global economy. Let's make the right decisions to keep us successful."

Green groups say a new runway will lead to environmental damage.

A government decision on whether to go ahead with a third runway is expected later this year.