New group supports Bristol Airport expansion
20.04.08
A young aviation enthusiast has formed a group to support the expansion of Bristol Airport. Plans are due to be submitted to North Somerset Council this summer over proposals to raise passenger numbers from six million to nine million per year by 2015. The idea has received strong criticism from campaign groups and residents who live near the airport. They fear the airport's expansion will result in too much traffic, cause misery for residents and have a detrimental effect on climate change.
But Daniel Hobbs, 18, feels there is too much negativity surrounding the proposed £80 million redevelopment scheme. He says that the benefits of expansion far outweigh the negatives and it is a crucial scheme to take Bristol forward in the 21st century.
He feels that future generations will reap dividends from having an airport that puts Bristol firmly on the map as an international tourist and business destination, and has formed a group called Bristol International Supporters Online (Bison), which has its own website www.biagrouponline.co.uk.
Since it was set up two weeks ago, the website has had more than 2000 hits and Mr Hobbs has recruited over 30 members to the group. The members are made up of other aviation enthusiasts and staff from Bristol Airport itself, who are keen to see new jobs brought to the area.
He said: ‘The airport is a service for everybody and I can't understand why it's always being put down. In reality there's only a few people who will be affected by its expansion but lots more who will benefit from it and it's people from my generation who are the ones who will see that.'
‘Flights aren't going to increase that much in numbers, it's just that the planes will be bigger and carry more people. But they're cleaner and quieter now, so I don't think people are going to notice much difference in terms of noise. I want to encourage people to show support for the airport and we will back them all the way with this application.’
Add to: del.icio.us | Digg it | Newsvine | NowPublic | Reddit
To book a bristol airport hotel or bristol airport car parking at the lowest price, click on these links to two great bristol airport car parking and bristol airport hotel price comparison pages.
