Rupert says "Airport expansion only within existing boundaries"

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Apr 2005

Gatwick has a major effect on the lives of people in Crawley. It is a major employer, but is also a close neighbour. Pressures on airports around London have meant that there is talk of expansion of the airport within the next 10 years. This could well involve the expansion of the boundaries to include streets at present within Crawley.

This is something that the Lib Dems oppose. However, we recognise the importance of the airport to the commercial life of the town, so we support the expansion of the airport within its existing boundaries. There is much scope for development without impacting on the town. If this middle way is pursued, it will hopefully benefit the people of Crawley in different ways.