Hyslop Welcomes Transport Minister’s Comments on Airport Consultation for Winchburgh Residents
Local MSP Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the comments and contribution made by Transport Minister Humza Yousaf in Thursday’s (27th April) debate in the Scottish Parliament on Edinburgh Airport’s Flight Path Consultation, particularly in relation to affected residents in Winchburgh. Aviation is a reserved matter to Westminster but the Scottish Parliament can debate any matter even if it cannot legislate on it.
Winchburgh residents were told they would not be affected by flight path routes, however now at phase two of the consultation local residents have discovered that there may be aircraft flying over their homes. Humza Yousaf said this was “not acceptable” and urged Edinburgh Airport to listen to the complaints and concerns of Winchburgh Residents. Mr Yousaf also said it “Beggers Belief” that Edinburgh Airport did not consult with Winchburgh Developers in the first instance of their consultation.
Local MSP Fiona Hyslop said;
“I am pleased that the Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, has publically called on Edinburgh Airport to listen and take on board the specific complaints of residents in Winchburgh and the wider consultation concerns.
“This is a consultation run by Edinburgh Airport which will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if Edinburgh Airport choose to continue their consultation. The CAA are accountable to the UK Government and as such I and Local MP Hannah Bardell met with the Aviation Minister in London last year to highlight the issues raised by local constituents in relation to Edinburgh Airport’s developments.
“From speaking to constituents across the county, I am well aware that the majority understand as I do, the economic contribution the Airport makes and the benefits of new routes but it is how the flight paths for any further growth are managed. The issue here is how these changes are brought about and more importantly how the airport continues to engage with the local communities that their flight paths are affecting and will affect in the future.”