Rochester hard runway bad news.

[Stampe]

Just released by local press today.
Paved runway set to be dropped from Rochester Airport redevelopment plans (http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/news/runway-plans-axed-for-airport-revamp-181888/)

[POBJOY]

I smell a 'financial rat' here. It seems that grant money would be forthcoming that would have enhanced the Airport side of things but in fact they are reducing the aviation element and basically turning the location into an industrial estate. The improvement of a hard runway does not change the use of the location as its 'use' is well established, and it merely means that the site will not get 'waterlogged out' in the winter. I suspect that having been promised a shed load of money someone is looking to 'direct it' towards something with more profit for them and the aviation improvements will fade away. Someone should complain to the LEP to ensure that the grant is not being misdirected by using external 'aviation issues' as the excuse.

[chevvron]

Wot e said.

[t1m80]

Well, I wrote to my local MP and to Grant Shapps and I have been assured that the plight of Rochester Airport is very much within the sights of the All Party Parliamentary Group for GA.

I have been directed to a press release issued by Kelly Tolhurst (MP for Rochester and Strood and member of the APPG for GA) today and she mentions a visit to the Airport soon.

Unfortunately I'm a noob on this forum so I can’t post links but if you google Kelly Tolhurst MP you should find the press release on her site!

Given the aspirations of the group I’m hoping that the right support can be found to rescue the hard surface plans.

[Jan Olieslagers]

Unfortunately I'm a noob on this forum so I can’t post links but if you google Kelly Tolhurst MP you should find the press release on her site!

Here goes (https://www.kelly4rochesterandstrood.com/news/kelly-tolhurst-mp-calls-secure-future-rochester-airport)

[t1m80]

Much appreciated