New attitude on airport compensation (From Knutsford Guardian)

New attitude on airport compensation

12:00pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in Letters

THIS is a copy of a letter regarding the case against Manchester Airport and compensation claims we sent to the George Osborne on June 19.

Thank you for your letter of June 2012. I undertook my own case against Manchester Airport. Notwithstanding comprehensive research and ownership of the house since 1979, our modest claim was rejected initially because of supposed ineligibility, and then dismissed on appeal.

Thanks to the leadership of Jeff Gazzard, the situation has been turned around.

We are pleased that you give Jeff credit for his work, and you mentioned the teamwork, and are also grateful to you for your very important presence at significant times during the long crusade.

You say that the offer is not as much as some people hoped, and we are sorry to hear that.

The amount of money is not important, more significant is the fresh recognition that some residents in Knutsford have not been treated fairly. We agree that it is a fair and innovative offer when all is considered.

We accept the settlement in the spirit in which the current management of Manchester Airport has offered it, and are hopeful that it reflects an improved awareness of wider community responsibility.

We welcome this new attitude, and while there will be more intrusion as the airport expands, we accept that it plays an important part in the prosperity of the region.

WALTER and BARBARA CUTHBERT