Protestors to join rally against airport expansion (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Protestors to join rally against Luton Airport expansion

11:20am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News By Zoe Forsey, Senior Reporter

Campaigners against plans to expand Luton Airport by double its size will take to the streets this week to call for controls to be imposed on night flights.

The protest rally will take to the steps of Luton Town Hall in protest against the borough council’s plans to double the flights between 10pm and midnight and run early morning departures at 5am instead of 6am.

The campaign organisers, Hertfordshire Against Luton Expansion (Hale) and the Luton and District Association for the Control of Aircraft Noise (Ladacan) have teamed up to stress sleep disturbance caused by night noise which could cause serious health problems.

Andrew Lambourne, from Hale, said: "The airport has grown to twice its previously envisaged capacity with no controls whatsoever.

"Now it is time for Luton Borough Council to recognise that it has a responsibility for the health and well-being of the people of Luton and surrounding towns and villages who have to suffer the effects of noise and disturbance at night."

The rally will take place on Thursday on the steps of Luton Town Hall, George Street at 12.30pm.