The rumours about Aer Lingus closing the LGW base have been going around since it was announced so I take them with a big pinch of salt.
Probably spread by the orange brigade, just like the rumours that they didn't have enough aircraft, the rumour that they'd left the cabin crew they'd recruited go, the rumour that forward bookings were terrible (from what I've heard loads so far have been very good - Knock was sold out on a number of last weeks flights), the rumour that the whole base would be axed before flights even started, and the latest rumour that cabin crew at LGW are to go on strike!