‘Don’t panic’ - residents told forms will be delivered (From Knutsford Guardian)

‘Don’t panic’ - residents told forms will be delivered

6:30pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in News By James Wilson

HOMEOWNERS who were successful in their claims for compensation from Manchester Airport have been urged not to panic after a problem emerged with the delivery of claim forms.

Last week Manchester Airport agreed a £1million deal with residents of Mobberley and Knutsford over the disruption caused by runway two.

But in letters sent out to residents, some envelopes were missing the vital claim form.

This resulted in panicking townsfolk ringing campaigner Jeff Gazzard, George Osborne’s office and the Guardian looking for answers.

Jeff told the Guardian the confusion would be sorted this week.

He added that no qualifying homeowners would miss out and, as a result of the problem, the return date for the forms had been extended to July 16.

Jeff said: “I can only apologise to all those who have been affected including George Osborne’s support team members.

“Please only contact myself via email at jeffgazzard@greenskies.org or text your address details and the words ‘missing claim form’ to 07748197412 and a claim form will be posted first class post within one hour of receipt.

“I guarantee no one will miss out on compensation due to this ‘empty envelope’ incident – please don’t panic.”

Residents were only in line for compensation if they attended a ‘compensation clinic’ in early 2011 but Jeff revealed he was still receiving calls from would-be claimants.

“I am amazed that residents who have sat on their hands since 2001 and done nothing in response to solicitor’s mailings or the process I set up to try and help local people – are now getting a bit peeved with me,” he said.

“I cannot turn the clock back. This is a why a formal claim process was vitally necessary, the deadline for which was March last year.”

Jeff, who runs the MAEN group, added he had received criticism after asking for a donation of £68.50 to cover the group’s costs, which included a £4,000 bill from the land registry as well as costs covering legal advice, database production, administration, postage, stationery and printing.

“I am subsidising all these costs, which is not a healthy situation,” he said.

“I am fully aware we live in a something-for-nothing society, but MAEN has already incurred costs which clearly most claimants realise and are happy to respond to.”

Tatton MP George Osborne said if homeowners received a letter from him they had a valid claim.

Mr Osborne said: “I know some people have not received their claim forms yet but would like to reassure people if they have received my letter, they have a valid claim.

“Further claim forms will be sent out to people this week by MAEN, the amenity group run by Jeff, who I have been working with.

“There is no immediate urgency if people are going on holiday as the payment process will take several weeks.

“The donation requested by MAEN is nothing to do with me and will not jeopardise people’s claims if it is not paid. It is entirely voluntary but will help to pay MAEN’s costs in collating the claims.

“There is no need to worry, if you do not want to pay it you do not have to.”