 Press Release - 30 May 2006 |
CYCLISTS OF ALL AGES JOIN BANK HOLIDAY RIDES TO HIGHLIGHT AIRPORT EXPANSION THREAT
Cyclists aged from seven to over seventy gathered in force over the Bank
Holiday weekend under the auspices of Stop Stansted Expansion to highlight
the scale of the threat to the immediate community as well as the wider
region from the proposed expansion of Stansted Airport.
Five rides ranging from nine miles along the disused railway line of the
Flitch Way which passes by Hatfield Forest to over one hundred miles passing
through six Essex villages with the name Tye Green were organised, drawing
141 cyclists from as far away as Dover and Norwich as well as people from
closer to home.
The rides were organized by SSE member William Chastell following his
successful Tye Green Challenge rides in aid of the campaign last year to
highlight the threat to the enjoyment of the countryside from the proposed
expansion of Stansted Airport.
Septuagenarian SSE member William from Broxbourne who, with his wife Rita,
took the lead in designing and making the arrangements for the event said:
"It was a tremendously successful day. All the riders remarked on the
beautiful countryside and enjoyed the cycling and want to do it again next
year. The event also raised £660."
Airport developer BAA has recently applied to Uttlesford District Council
for a removal of any limits on passengers on the existing runway and an
increase in commercial flights which could in time result in at least a
doubling of passengers currently using the airport with the larger planes
that are coming on stream. The noise from overflying and the added pressure
on the transport network would severely impair enjoyment of the countryside
for miles around.
SSE is urging members of the community to express their concerns about the
proposals to Uttlesford District Council before the end of June to meet the
council's deadline for representations. Further information on responding
is available from the this website or from
the campaign office on 01279 870558.
ENDS
FURTHER INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHS
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, Stop Stansted Expansion M 0777 552 3091 and cbarbone@mxc.co.uk
Media Centre
|
