Heathrow Airport is offering free therapy to residents impacted by its proposed third runway expansion, a move that has angered campaigners. The £49 billion privately funded project would add a 3,500-metre runway, doubling capacity to 150 million passengers annually by 2035.
The expansion would require demolishing around 750 homes in Harmondsworth and Longford, with thousands more affected by increased noise pollution. In a letter to residents, Heathrow acknowledged 'years of uncertainty' and announced a mental wellbeing support service, including a 24/7 helpline, personal counselling, and cognitive behavioural therapy.
The service is available to those in compulsory purchase zones. However, Paul McGuinness, chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, told The Independent: 'The launch of this service tells you all you need to know about the complexities of trying to push forward with this doomed project.'
Campaigners and politicians, including Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband, have opposed the expansion. Earlier this month, ministers were accused of rushing the public consultation.
