It's a shame that we (ATC) might not get much input into the decision. It's BAA's airport at the end of the day, and if they decide to get rid of the AGLCS then they will get rid of the AGLCS. I'm sure our people will be attempting to convince BAA that it's not a good idea. Especially given that the recent 'customer service' questionnaire that came back from LHR airlines cited the AGLCS as one of the top positives of the ATC experience at LHR.
The L/Op is a necessary and vital part of the ATC team at LHR, even during the day. Even more so in our new tower with our new electronic strip system. If I'm asked to do GMC with no L/Op in the new tower during the day, I'll be demanding greater inbound spacing.