Mass protest looms at Heathrow

2007-08-19 12:04

Heathrow - Activists opposed to plans for a third runway at London's Heathrow were on Sunday gearing up for a major protest at the world's busiest airport, organisers said.

Police said Saturday that up to 2 000 demonstrators were set to converge on Heathrow for what organisers have described as "24 hours of mass action" as their week-long demonstration reaches its climax.

Following a "peaceful protest" at 11:00 (10:00 GMT), The Camp for Climate Action plans to symbolically mark out the path of the proposed 3km runway, before blocking the headquarters of Heathrow operator BAA at 15:00.

The campaigners, who claim Heathrow fuels climate change, have joined forces with a handful of locals opposed to plans for a third runway, citing noise and health concerns.

BAA, which describes Heathrow as the world's busiest international airport, has acknowledged that "there is an important debate to be had regarding climate change."

Several hundred activists have set up temporary home near the village of Harlington, close to Heathrow, in a tented village called the "Camp for Climate Action."

The activists say their presence for a week of "low-impact living, debates, learning skills, and high-impact direct action" is a peaceful protest.

On Friday, protestors glued themselves to Britain's Department of Transport. So far the demonstrations, which are due to end on Tuesday, have not disrupted services at Heathrow, said an airport spokesman.

- SAPA