East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth has expressed his satisfaction that the new owners of Gatwick have effectively ruled out seeking to build a second runway for a generation.

Speaking after Gatwick Chairman Sir David Rowlands said that he had "not a shred of interest in a second runway", Peter Ainsworth commented:

"I am absolutely delighted that the spectre of a second runway at Gatwick - with all that it would entail in terms of housebuilding, noise, road congestion, and pollution - has finally been laid to rest. This issue has been hovering around for all of the 18 years during which I have been an MP and Sir David's words will come as a huge relief to all who care about the local environment.

"I particularly want to thank Brendon Sewill of GACC* who has worked tirelessly and with great professionalism over many years to secure this outcome. His contributions to the debate over the future of Gatwick have always been balanced, informed and accurate.

"I am of course aware that Gatwick is a major employer. I want it to be a successful one runway airport, popular with airlines, passengers and local people.The definitive ditching of any plans for a second runway is refreshingly open and straightforward. I hope that it paves the way for a more trusting relationship between the community and the airport operator."

ENDS

* Gatwick Area Conservation Committee