Press Release - 15 January 2007

Preparations to counter BAA’s demands for expansion at Stansted will come under the spotlight on 4 February when Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) holds its third Community Conference.

Two hundred opponents of BAA's proposals are expected to attend the half day event at the Stansted Hilton. The conference will be of interest to all who have concerns about BAA’s plans for the airport and the devastating impact they would have, especially those who want to gear up for the battles of the coming year.

The programme will cover recent progress and look forward to campaign and local council priorities, including the context for the ongoing fight. It will include consideration of the forthcoming public inquiry into expansion on the existing runway, due to start in the middle of the year, and proposals for the siting of a second runway which BAA expects to announce by the end of January.

Speakers will include Sir Alan Haselhurst MP and representatives from Uttlesford District Council (UDC) including Liberal Democrat Council Leader Cllr Mark Gayler, alongside members of SSE’s Executive Committee led by Campaign Chairman Peter Sanders. Conservative and Independent councillors from UDC will also take part in one of two question and answer sessions.

Council leaders and community representatives from across the region have already begun registering to attend, joining scores of campaign supporters including non-members of SSE who are playing an active role in their continued opposition to the unsustainable expansion of Stansted.

Entry to the Community Conference which is being sponsored by UDC is by advance ticket at £5 per person. Further information on booking and a full programme can be obtained from Coming Events or from the Campaign Office on 01279 870558.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Media are invited to attend the event and should contact Carol Barbone in advance to reserve places.
Photocall arrangements will be advised separately.
SSE’s previous Community Conferences were held in February 2003 and January 2005.
The full conference programme appears below.

SSE COMMUNITY CONFERENCE 2007
Sunday 4 February - Programme

1.30pm	Registration
2.00pm	Welcome and Introduction – Cllr Mark Gayler, Leader, Uttlesford District Council
2.10pm	Campaign Progress – Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, SSE
2.30pm	The Public Inquiry into the Proposed Expansion of Stansted’s Single Runway
	- Overview of the Process – Peter Sanders, Chairman, SSE
	- The Key Issues – Cllr Alan Dean, Chairman, Uttlesford District Council's Airport Advisory Panel and Community Champion
	- Ensuring the Community Voice is Heard – Norman Mead, Deputy Chairman, SSE, and Maggie Sutton, Community Representative, SSE
3.10pm	Question & Answer Session
3.40pm	Break (tea/coffee)
4.00pm	The Climate Change Imperative: Local Action, Global Implications - Peter Riding, Executive Committee Member, SSE
4.15pm	The Changing Landscape for Second Runway Proposals – Political, Economic and Regulatory – Brian Ross, Economics Adviser, SSE
4.30pm	The View from Westminster – Sir Alan Haselhurst MP
4.40pm	Question & Answer Session
5.05	Closing Remarks – Peter Sanders, Chairman, SSE
5.15pm	Ends

FURTHER INFORMATION
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, Stop Stansted Expansion M 0777 552 3091 and cbarbone@mxc.co.uk
Stop Stansted Expansion Campaign Office: T 01279 870558 and info@stopstanstedexpansion.com