Action Briefing June 2004-July 2004
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

West Midlands News

Wolves Airport's Double Whammy

Margaret Rogers, Vice chairman and press liaison officer for Wolverhampton Airport Action Group (WAAG), has issued an appeal for donations to a new fighting fund after the loss-making Airport not only won an appeal to build new offices on its greenbelt site but also submitted a massive application to build a new runway and fly passenger jet aircraft.

David Giddings, Chairman of WAAG said: “Having carefully read the Inspector’s Appeal Decision, I am extremely pleased that he has recognized the real intention behind this application, namely that it was a thinly disguised request for a passenger terminal. He has effectively squashed the Airport’s plans by applying a strict condition, as WAAG requested, that the building “be used only for aviation purposes namely for the accommodation of management, operational and ancillary staff and for no other purpose.”

Dave continued: “Regarding the major application for a new runway, and all that that entails, we will wait to see the full text when the council makes it available. But we already know enough to be sure that it will be excoriated by the council and all our supporters, and that despite this, the airport will rely upon its massive spending power to go again to appeal. That is why we urgently need to get behind Margaret’s request, and set up fund raising in all areas including Cookley, Bridgnorth, Wombourne, Stourbridge etc.”

This is set to be a huge campaign and WAAG will be counting on the financial support of its thousands of supporters during the inevitable legal battles ahead. Please make cheques payable to WAAG and send to Margaret Rogers, 34 Bridgnorth Road, Stourton, DY7 6RT.

Chris Crean