Wednesday, 8 April 2009

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Meeting with Westward

Tony White, Jon Passingham and Caroline Passingham met with Jeff Marston and colleagues, to discuss Westward's part in the BIH move. Mr Marston explained that Westward had plans to improve the airport's buildings but that any works would be within their current footprints, and subject to planning approval. LEAAG intend to monitor applications to check they maintain this position.

We were told that the landing lights were needed to improve flight safety for Skybus, not the helicopters. As they have been flying without them for 23 years, we would have to ask 'why?' They seem to think that as the lights are not necessarily permanent fixtures they won’t need planning permission. They will, however, be making a new Planning Application for them.

We outlined the reasons for LEAAG's opposition to the re location, discussing noise and fume pollution, floodlit car park installations, through to large scale building development. Jeff Marston confirmed that if the helicopter service closed, Skybus would be able to handle all BIH passengers with their current aircraft and without an huge increase in daily flights. They conceded that the car park issue would present them with problems.

We confirmed we are not intrinsically opposed to the airport, but would closely look at any development proposals.

LEAAG Presentation to Penzance Chamber of Commerce 7th April


Tony White and Jon Passingham attended the Chamber's meeting and Tony White presented LEAAG's concerns to them. As a result they have joined us as an organisation, with many members also wanting to join on an individual basis. This, on its own, increases our membership by over 120 people and businesses.

Membership

LEAAG has been targetting surfers and holiday makers at Sennen and Gwynver during the Easter holiday with nearly a hundred new members recruited over last week end alone.