Many people claim to speak on behalf of the residents of the Heathrow area, suggesting how much better it would be if they did not have one of the world’s busiest international airports as a neighbour. But what of the residents themselves? For most, Heathrow is not just an airport but the lifeblood of their communities.
According to a recent opinion poll 57 per cent of residents in the 12 constituencies surrounding Heathrow said that they felt ‘positive’ towards the airport, and only 8 per cent said they felt negative feelings. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. For many Heathrow brings in the monthly salary. One in four local jobs is connected with the airport, for example in engineering, air operations or in one of the many cafes, restaurants and retails units which cater for passengers.
An international airport with 470,000 flights and handling 67 million passengers a year didn’t come out of nowhere.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate, free for a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first month free.
UNLOCK ACCESS Try a month freeAlready a subscriber? Log in