Be positive about Stansted

WITH regard to Stansted Airport, I am fed up hearing the anti campaign and nothing from people in support. The SSE campaign speaks as though the vast majority of residents of this area are against the airport.

But what about those whose livelihoods depend on being employed by the airport itself and related industries? What about the businesses in the surrounding area that trade with the airport?

Are they amongst those campaigning to stop any expansion? As someone who has worked on the airport and has owned a local business that served the airport I am well aware of its importance within our local economy.

I do not believe there is no support for the expansion at the airport and that this is a myth put about by the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.

I would like to hear from others who support the airport. Maybe our councillors will tell us what they are doing to help those who support the airport to be heard?

As for the Eco Towns, we should be encouraging development in new affordable housing designed for the 21st century. For those of us who have houses, we are alright, but what about those who can't afford properties here.

My three adult children have had to move away from Saffron Walden to be able to buy properties. One now has to drive 15 miles to work instead of cycling as he did when he lived at home.

We need investment in housing and employment. We need to embrace the economic benefits these developments would bring.

And before I get the replies about not understanding the area, I moved here as a child in the early 1960s and have served as an Uttlesford District Councillor and Saffron Walden Town Councillor. I remember the first campaign to stop Stansted becoming London's third airport, and that didn't work! We have to remember change happens, we cannot stop change.

Let's embrace the opportunities and work with it and reap the gains for the whole of the community.

Yvonne Morton, Rylstone Way, Saffron Walden