Residents discuss Birmingham Airport expansion

Residents have met to discuss the potential impact of extending a runway by 405 metres at Birmingham Airport, it has been reported.

Local people were given the opportunity to air their views at a public meeting where some raised concerns about noise pollution, according to the Birmingham Mail.

If it is given the green light, the £1 billion venture will see up to 17,000 extra flights a year and could create more than 2,000 jobs.

Speaking positively about the plans, Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull, said: "This increase in the length of the runway will create tens of thousands of jobs both in terms of the building work, the airport and the increased prosperity it will bring.

"It will encourage trade from places like China and India by improving communications. It's not going to mean that money leaves the area, it is going to bring money in to the local economy."

John Morris, head of corporate and community affairs at the travel hub, added that Birmingham Airport was already expending all the time but that this runway expansion will allow for more long-haul flights.