1/2/2007
Letters
TAG appeal will ensure maximum fairness all roundIt is difficult to know where to start when faced with a ranting tirade such as that of Glenn Morrison on your letters page of January 19. A point-by-point response would take up far too much space, so I shall deal with his main misconception.
Regrettable though it may appear to Mr Morrison, the appeal process is essential to ensure that difficult and complicated issues are decided with the maximum fairness to all those with a legitimate interest in the result.
The economic footprint of TAG’s operations at Farnborough Airfield stretches much further than its immediate environs — anywhere up to a one or one and a half hour drive from Farnborough.
It was legitimate for the Rushmoor Borough Council planning decision to be restricted to local issues. It is equally legitimate for TAG to seek another forum in which wider issues may be considered. Indeed, such a wider forum is essential for proper and full discussion.
Perhaps a simple related example will illuminate. Would we, as society, be willing to leave the question of timing and frequency of flights in and out of Heathrow and Gatwick solely to those unfortunate enough to live under their flightpaths? The impact upon their lives is much greater than the minor inconvenience suffered by Rushmoor and Church Crookham residents as a result of TAG’s operations. Their barrage starts around 5.30am every day and is thereafter continuous until late in the evening, made up of much heavier and noisier aircraft. There are also a few night flights. How many protesters’ holiday abroad and return with or without a twinge of conscience regarding those whose regular daily disturbance they are contributing to? I know that I have.
Discussion of this issue is riddled with special interest pleading and perhaps I should indicate my own position. Although retired, I now live in Church Crookham — not all that different from Mr Morrison’s situation, although at the other end. I spent about half of my career, in two separate episodes, ‘inside the wire’ at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, and regard TAG’s operations as acceptable as by far the least of the various evils that might have been visited upon us on the departure of MoD flying from the airfield at Farnborough, as well as being most appropriate.
Some questions are relevant. How long would BAE Systems remain at their present location without an operational airfield on the doorstep, and how many of the small to medium size ‘hi-tech’ firms are here because of the presence of BAE Systems? We would almost certainly already have at least the equivalent of the massive distribution centre presently proposed for Pyestock on Farnborough Airfield.
Jim Russell
Reading Road South
Church Crookham
First printed in:
Aldershot News and Mail
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