Heathrow Airport's plans to change runways have sparked concern among residents of Longford, a village near the airport. The proposed changes, known as the 'Eastern Alternation', could make the village uninhabitable due to increased noise and pollution. The village has already seen a decline in its community, with the closure of local pubs and businesses. Residents fear that the new runway changes will exacerbate the situation, with planes taking off right next to their homes. The Cranford Agreement, which previously protected the village from eastern take-offs, was removed in 2009, and the airport now plans to introduce eastern alternation. This could result in up to 13 planes in the queue during the summer, causing horrendous noise and making the village unbreathable. Trevor Gordon, a resident, expresses his worries, stating that the village will become uninhabitable with the noise and pollution. The airport's proposed solution is a noise barrier, but residents are skeptical about its effectiveness. The changes to the runways will also impact other areas of London, with some regions experiencing fewer aircraft and others more. The broader concern is the economic case for Heathrow Airport expansion, and the lack of information provided to the public about its potential impact on noise and pollution levels.
