28 April 2011

Labour calls for plan B for Plymouth's transport links

Responding to today's news that Plymouth City Airport is to close, Tudor Evans, Leader of the Labour Group on Plymouth City Council said:

"This is obviously a bad day for Plymouth's image. I believe that if we work together something can be salvaged. I've asked to meet the Acting Council Chief Executive to offer the support of Labour's Councillors to secure the airport's future."

"The Council Leadership has known about the closure of the airport for some time. The failure to keep the airport open is a failure of Council policy and a failure of their will.

Plymouth needs good connections by road, rail and by air. Over the last year we've seen the future of fast trains to Plymouth postponed indefinitely, we've seen the potholes grow in our roads and now our airport is set to close. We need a transport policy that makes Plymouth better connected with the wider region and the rest of the UK. Current policies seem to be pushing us in the opposite direction."

Alison Seabeck, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View said:

"This is very concerning for businesses in Plymouth. The absence of a regional body like the RDA means there is no one to come to turn to for help. I have already arranged a meeting with Business Secretary Vince Cable to talk about the airport. The nature of that meeting will now be more critical than ever."