LEN Cruddas, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, fails to make a valid argument in favour of converting Elvington Airfield into an airport (March 7).
He argues that Manchester Airport is too far away by train. Manchester Airport is not, however, our nearest airport; we have others in Yorkshire at Leeds/Bradford, Doncaster and Humberside.
Three airports in the region are more than adequate to cater for the local inhabitants and businesses.
Aviation is the highest polluting mode of transport available, according to Friends Of The Earth's website.
Aircraft emissions are one of the leading causes of climate change.
Surely we should not be encouraging the use of more planes, one of the few modes of transport which still do not pay fuel tax.
The World Health Organisation has shown aircraft noise pollution causes stress and heart problems and impairs children's concentration.
The development of Elvington airfield will also lead to more road congestion to the east of York.
Just because there is already a runway present is not a good enough argument for developing an airport. Therefore, like most residents of Heslington and Elvington, I am against such proposals.
Andrew Collingwood,
Turners Croft, York.
Updated: 10:01 Thursday, March 10, 2005
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