Pub landlords in Heathrow flight-path angry over third runway

Pub landlords in Sipson village have reacted with anger and dismay at yesterday's announcement by the government to green-light a third runway at Heathrow.

The village of Sipson, which lies in the path of the proposed runway, will be demolished to accommodate a third runway and three pubs, as well as 700 homes and a school, will be bulldozed.

The third runway at Heathrow could be built as early as 2015 and is budgeted to cost £9b. It will increase the busy London airport's capacity by up to 50%.

Speaking to Caterersearch, the landlord of eight years of the 16th-century King William IV pub in Sipson, Shaun Walters, said he was "gutted" by the news.

"It will mean my pub being squashed, it's my livelihood and my home and it's frightening. We always knew it was going to happen but now it's definite."

Landlord of Sipson's Crown Pub Freehouse for the last three years, Jagjit Sidhu, also said his pub was to be demolished to make way for the new runway.

"It's very sad-psychologically and physically. We've been protesting about it but we can't do anything. As a former labour councillor for this area I feel betrayed by the Government's decision."

Neither of the landlords had been informed of the decision by the Government or their local council, nor are they clear on what compensation they will receive.

Walters added: "We don't even know when it's going to happen, so we're just waiting in limbo."

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By Gemma Sharkey

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