Plane Stupid launches Adopt a Resident campaign

Environmental activists from across the UK have 'adopted' Heathrow residents to support them in their fight against a third runway and prepare them to defend their homes in the event of BAA being given permission to build the runway. The activists were brought together by Plane Stupid. Over tea and cakes in St Mary’s Church Hall in Harmondsworth on Monday 30th March 40 residents were adopted.

Local resident Lynne Davies said, “We are very excited about this scheme. Many local people are feeling very vulnerable with the threat of a third runway hanging over them. They will appreciate this support. And it shows our determination to stay put. We don’t believe the new runway will ever be built but this link up with the young activists sends a clear signal to the Government and BAA that we are not alone.”

Plane Stupid spokesperson Leo Murray said, “The campaign against a third runway at Heathrow has become the front line in the fight against climate change in the UK. People with experience of Twyford Down and Newbury will be joining newer activists to support the residents defend their homes and gardens.”

He added, “The lessons of the anti-roads movement have been well and truly learnt. Preparations for resistance are starting much earlier than was the case at Twyford Down or Newbury. If plans for a third runway are not dropped, the Government will face a campaign of organised resistance."

John Stewart, the Chair of HACAN, who was involved in the roads protests of the 1990s, said, “We expect that, if Labour loses the next General Election, expansion plans will be dropped but if they are not I fully expect all sorts of unlikely people to take direct action to stop a third runway ever being built.”