Man to sell home of 40 years over airport growth

A man has vowed to leave his home of 40 years after plans to expand London Luton Airport were approved by the government.

Airport leaders have shared hopes of almost doubling the site's annual passenger numbers to 32 million by 2043.

Mark Salton, who lives on the Wigmore estate close to the airport, said the area was being "slaughtered" by development.

"I feel in Wigmore we are the cash cows of the town," he said. "We pay our rates and we get nothing." The airport's owner said many thousands of jobs would be created by the expansion.

Luton was the UK's fifth busiest airport last year, with 16.9 million people boarding 132,000 flights.

A new terminal, taxiways and increased capacity have all been planned as part of its expansion.

Mr Salton said the project, coupled with a nearby 2,100 homes plan, would exacerbate congestion problems faced by residents.

"We cannot get out the house, we cannot get out the estate when we try normally," he said.

"Our library is disappearing, the refuse tip is going and I feel we're just being slaughtered for the general use of Luton.

"We're like meat between the sandwich - we're going to get squashed by the mess and environmental effects."

Asked if he considered moving house, Mr Salton responded: "Yes, I've already got plans and that's very genuine."

Kings Walden Parish Council said the expansion was the latest "attack" on rural areas and livelihoods by the government.

Andrew Lambourne, of campaign group LADACAN, said he fought "tooth and nail" against the airport development.

"The harm this expansion will cause far outweighs any job benefits," he argued, vowing to seek legal advice over the decision.

He shared fears over the impact on the environment and called for the aviation industry to "pay for the harms it causes".

It was expected that 70,000 more aircraft would take flight from Luton when it grew.

Andy King, from Save Our Town, said the potential economic benefits "have to be welcomed".

He pointed to the closure of Vauxhall's factory, where 1,100 jobs have been put at risk, and hailed new employment opportunities.

"The only obvious danger is the town gets dependent on one employer," Mr King added.

The expansion decision was also celebrated by the Labour MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire, Rachel Hopkins.

She said: "The growth of London Luton Airport will boost Luton's economy by creating jobs, enhancing skills development, and supporting our charitable sector."

The University of Bedfordshire, which has students from more than 100 countries, also branded the move a "major step forward" for the region.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the airport to develop a strong talent pipeline," a spokesman said.

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