Operational Note for 18 February 2005

DATE:
Friday 18 February 2005

SUMMARY:
We have been advised that the result of the challenge by Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) and the Heathrow and Luton communities to the Government's Air Transport White Paper will be handed down by Mr Justice Sullivan at the High Court at 10.30am in Court 3 on Friday 18 February. The judgement is likely to take around 1.5 hours.

Photo and interview opportunities during the day are as detailed below, both in London and Stansted. A press release commenting on the outcome will be emailed to you at c12 noon on Friday 18 February and will be put onto the SSE website www.stopstanstedexpansion.com at that time.

TIMINGS AND PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES:
1)   DEPARTING FOR THE HIGH COURT, LONDON, FROM STANSTED
7.45am Coach (decorated with banners and posters) will depart from the Silver Jubilee Hall, Takeley (just before the Four Ashes Crossroads at Takeley when heading from J8 of the M11) taking campaigners to London to hear the decision.  Mike Fairchild will coordinate media requirements here.

2)  STANSTED CAMPAIGNERS OUTSIDE THE HIGH COURT PRE- AND POST-DECISION
Stansted campaigners with banners and placards will be joined outside the High Court (from c9.15am) by their counterparts from the Heathrow and Luton communities who are partners in the Judicial Review challenge.  They will show their determination to continue fighting expansion plans whatever the result of the challenge through further legal means, in the City and through the planning system.

There will be interview opportunities with SSE Chairman Peter Sanders and Campaign Director Carol Barbone and others from Stansted as required pre- and post-decision.  Carol Barbone will stay in London for as long as is needed to meet media requirements.

3)  ALL DAY COMMENT FROM LOCAL PEOPLE IN STANSTED
The Three Horseshoes Pub at Duton Hill, near Great Dunmow (directions below), will be the SSE base for media wishing to speak to local people affected by the result.  Excellent views across the rolling fields where the proposed second runway would be sited.   (PLEASE NOTE:  this is NOT the Three Horseshoes by Stansted Airport at Molehill Green which has been used in the past)

The main media contact here (from 9am until early evening) will be SSE committee member Mike Fairchild.  The pub landlord is Derek Connell whose business and local community would be severely affected by expansion (the pub would be very close to the end of the proposed second runway).  They will be joined as the day progresses by other local people and (from early afternoon) SSE Chairman Peter Sanders, and Maggie Sutton whose Broxted home would disappear if a second runway were ever to receive planning permission.

Cllr Alan Dean, Leader of Uttlesford District Council (planning authority for Stansted Airport), will also be returning to The Three Horseshoes after the High Court and will be available for comment.

To get to The Three Horseshoes, Duton Hill:  from J8 of the M11, follow the new A120 East towards Great Dunmow.  At Dunmow, take the B184 North and after three miles turn left (signed Duton Hill).  Turn left up the hill and the pub is on the left at the top.

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS AND ADVANCE FILMING:
These can be set up to suit your needs pre- or post- result.  Contact Carol Barbone for further information.

FURTHER BACKGROUND:
See press release www.stopstanstedexpansion.com/press157.html setting out the grounds for the Judicial Review challenge.  See also www.stopstanstedexpansion.com for further information on the SSE campaign.

PRIMARY MEDIA CONTACT:
Carol Barbone, SSE Campaign Director M 0777 552 3091

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS ON THE DAY:
Mike Fairchild, SSE Executive Committee Member M 07850 127961
(Derek Connell, Landlord, The Three Horseshoes, Duton Hill 01371 870681)
(Campaign Office 01279 870558 for help in reaching any of the named media contacts)

ENDS