MPs and Mayor make strong case for FARRRS


20 July 2006

Caroline Flint's comment on the meeting with Stephen Ladyman:

"The meeting with Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman was extremely useful. The MPs and the Mayor made a forceful case for FARRRS to be given programme entry.

"We made clear that FARRRS is right at the top of Doncaster's priorities. Our airport is a huge success story and we want to build on that so that employment and prosperity in Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

"The Minister was both attentive and very well informed about FARRRS, and the meeting was very constructive.

"The delegation also made clear that Doncaster will pull out all the stops to avoid this major regeneration scheme from falling behind, and the Minister has reassured us that his department will not cause any undue delay prior to his decision."

Campaigners for FARRRS are ready to take on Friends of the Earth, who have already signalled their opposition to the FARRRS scheme.

Said Ms Flint: "Friends of the Earth support many worthwhile environmental campaigns, but on this they are on the wrong track. They are repeating many of the arguments that were used when they opposed the airport. Those arguments failed to convince the public inquiry then and they will fail again.

"FARRRS is in the best interests of Doncaster, and most definitely the residents of Rossington, and villages like Auckley, Blaxton and Finningley closest to the airport. I hope residents make clear they views that airport-related traffic is better off local roads and back FARRRS."