Yesterday’s release of the Davies Commission’s recommendation to expand Heathrow airport has caused mixed reaction in Sussex and Surrey.

Crawley Borough Council has acknowledged the negative economic impact further expansion at Heathrow may have in Crawley.

The Council urges the Government to take steps to ensure any expansion at the airport does not result in a decline for other UK airport towns.  They acknowledge that the majority of  councillors voted against the expansion of Gatwick back in January however will continue to  fight for the prosperity of the area.

Surrey County Council meanwhile welcomes the Commission’s recognition that investment in local transportation is needed but state that major investment in infrastructure as a whole is required, including housing, schools and other services.

However, members of the Gatwick Coordination Group welcome the Airports Commission’s endorsement of Heathrow, believing Gatwick lacks resilient surface transport infrastructure and available local labour force to staff the airport.