"Following the well-attended public meeting held in Warnham at which Horsham MP Jeremy Quin arranged for local residents to make their views on aircraft noise known direct to the independent commission appointed by Gatwick he followed-up this week in Parliament. Working with MPs from across Sussex Jeremy met once again with the independent commission but on this occasion they were joined by Gatwick Chairman Sir Roy McNulty.
Jeremy made clear to Sir Roy that history was not on Gatwick's side when it comes to convincing local communities that Gatwick is a "good neighbour" and that any exercise like this is greeted with understandable cynicism. Sir Roy was very open that he was fully aware of that concern and that Gatwick will judged not on setting up the Commission but on its delivery of the Commissions Report (due in January). The Report is expected to detail means to deliver quieter Arrivals and better local communication and complaints procedures. Most of the techniques for combatting excessive noise have been around for years - its a question of proper application.
Although the meeting in Parliament (like the Commission) was established to discuss Arrivals Jeremy also raised Departures which is of great if not greater concern to local residents. He was delighted to receive confirmation from Sir Roy that Gatwick will be undertaking a review into Departures in the coming year.
Jeremy Quin commented:
"The Independent Commission on Arrivals will I believe produce a solid report - the proof of Gatwick's sincerity will come in its implementation. Gatwick have now also committed to tackle in the coming year the issue of Departures - a project that cannot come too soon."