Euro-MP Welcomes Public Inquiry into Finningley Airport

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 30th Mar 2001

Diana Wallis, Lib Dem Euro-MP for Yorkshire, has welcomed today's announcement that the Government will hold a Public Inquiry into proposals to turn Finningley Airport into and international terminal.

The local Euro-MP wrote to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott last year calling for an inquiry. She said:

"I am acutely aware of the concerns being expressed by local residents about the likely effects of this proposal on their homes, general amenities and the environment.

"The development of a new commercial airport on a site within 60 miles of other established airports clearly needs very careful consideration on both a national and regional level.

"I am pleased that a public inquiry will be held. It is vitally important that local people can air their concerns on this substantial application and that the final decision over the proposal is made only after the right consultation and examination of the issues."