Lydd Airport Poll Victory: 2-to-1 AGAINST Expansion

The New Romney and Lydd referendums have produced a massive response against Lydd Airport expansion. On a big turnout, the combined vote was 2 to 1 against the expansion plans with 2204 voting against the plans and 1137 for them.

The result mirrors the recent poll in the local Herald newspaper where 77% voted against expansion.

Lynne Beaumont, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on Shepway Council and a leading anti-airport expansion campaigner, was delighted at the result, saying:

"Yet again the people have shown 2-to-1 they are against the development of Lydd Airport. Surely decision makers will listen to local people. The Lib Dems are the only Party that have always been against this development, and we promise the people of New Romney and Lydd that we will continue to fight their corner."

In full, the result in New Romney was 1,288 against and 396 for expansion - a 3 to 1 majority. In Lydd there was another clear majority with 741 for and 916 against expansion.

Many local people are furious that the local Conservatives are backing the airport expansion plans against the wishes of many local residents. Tory MP Michael Howard said at a recent press conference that "if the decision were mine, I would decide in favour of the proposals".

The Liberal Democrats have always strongly opposed the expansion at Lydd Airport.