 Press Release - 3 June 2007 |
SSE CYCLE RIDES ATTRACT 200 RIDERS
Over 200 people took part in a series of cycle rides organised by Stop
Stansted Expansion (SSE) today (Sunday 3 June) which were designed to raise
awareness of the beauty of the area threatened by BAA's plans for expanding
Stansted Airport and the impacts on tranquillity.
Cyclists of all ages from across Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk and
Cambridgeshire rode the nine mile circular ride along the gravel surface of
the former railway line known as the Flitch Way between Little Canfield and
Start Hill. Part of the cycle track also forms the Northern boundary of
Hatfield Forest, running directly through countryside with lovely wooded
areas, rich wildlife and views over open farmland.
The Family Fun Flitch Way Cycle Ride event was part of a larger programme of
cycle rides of 24, 40, 60 and 100 miles organized by Hertfordshire Wheelers
club rider and Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) supporter, William Chastell,
following the success of a similar event last year when around 150 cyclists
took part. The septuagenarian cyclist is concerned at the impacts which
airport expansion would have on local amenity, air quality and climate
change.
Commenting on the success of the day, SSE Campaign Director Carol Barbone
said: "We were delighted to see so many new faces today as awareness grows
of what is at stake from BAA's expansion plans. Interest has been
stimulated by the Public Inquiry which is currently taking place into
proposals for unlimited passenger use of Stansted and around 75,000 extra
aircraft movements a year on top of current levels."
Donations made by those attending the rides and proceeds from the lunchtime
barbecue added £500 to SSE's Public Inquiry Appeal Fund, taking the total
raised so far to pay for legal representation and expert witnesses to over
£80,000. The target sum is £120,000. For more information on contributing to
the fund see the Public Inquiry Appeal Fund page and for other forthcoming events see the Coming Events page.
ENDS
See Photos
FURTHER INFORMATION
Carol Barbone, SSE Campaign Director, M 0777 552 3091 and cbarbone@mxc.co.uk – during Inquiry sessions (generally Tuesday to Friday, 10am - 5pm) media are advised to email for a faster response
SSE Campaign Office 01279 870558 and info@stopstanstedexpansion.com
Media Centre
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