MP slams Friends of the Earth over Link Road
"Greens have gone bananas", says MP

28 July 2004

Caroline Flint has slammed the opponents of the Rossington-Airport Link Road to the M18 as "bananas."

Ms Flint said: "Friends of the Earth know full well that there was a clear understanding between the airport and the Council, that Peel would support a link road.

"This road will help the airport to succeed and take traffic away from small villages. I have supported this all along, and residents in the villages closest to the airport will be furious at the idea that Friends of the Earth will try to thwart the road, leaving all airport traffic to pass through local villages.

"It is one thing to discuss the best route for the road; but it is another to oppose any road to the airport.

"Yet again, Friends of the Earth are bringing in their lobbyist from outside, knowing nothing about our villages, but determined to oppose any road building. Mr Rae is a B.A.N.A.N.A. - Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone."

The MP has pledged to fight for the link road from Junction 3 of the M18 to be completed as quickly as possible. "The last thing residents want is another lengthy public inquiry, to delay the road. Friends of the Earth may enjoy performing at these inquiries. My constituents have to live with the consequences and the delay they cause."

Ms Flint believes that residents will be outraged if "green" protesters try to scupper the road at this late stage. The Council, Peel Airports, the Highways Agency and other key players are in general agreement about the road - and Objective One funding will also support the scheme.

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