A local campaign group is to hold a meeting this week to discuss the implications of the planned closure of Filton Airfield.
It follows the news that the Great Western Air Ambulance service (GWAA) has written to South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) expressing concern about the ability to provide a rapid response service to the Bristol area if it is forced to find a new home.
Avon and Somerset Police also have their response helicopter based at the site.
Support has been growing for the campaign since the closure plans were announced by owners BAE in April. SGC is currently undertaking a consultation on its Core Strategy Development Plan, which could include a change in land policy for the airfield to allow thousands of new homes to be built on the site.
The meeting takes place at the Ratepayer’s Arms (behind Filton Leisure Centre on Filton Roundabout) on Thursday 1st September at 7:30pm.
The Save Filton Airfield campaign group, supported by aviation heritage organisations, the South West Defence Industry Alliance and councillors from local parishes, believe that the plans threaten to jeopardise future investment in the local aviation and aerospace industries, putting thousands of jobs at risk. There are also mounting concerns about the ability of the area’s infrastructure to support yet another massive house-building programme.
Related link: Filton Airfield (The Post)
