Richmond
has become the first London council to respond to Wandsworth's appeal
for funds to help meet the costs of defending last October's landmark
European Court ruling that night flights violated human rights.
The council
has today announced a contribution of £5,000.
The UK
Government is seeking to have the ruling overturned.
Wandsworth
and anti-aircraft noise campaigners HACAN have jointly written to
26 councils in London and the South East for support.
Richmond
leader Tony Arbour said:
"I
am delighted to join with Wandsworth in continuing to fight for this
cause. Noise from night flights is a huge concern to all our residents,
and I would urge other councils to follow the London Borough of Richmond
upon Thames in offering their support."
Wandsworth
leader Edward Lister added:
"This
is just the start we needed to our fund-raising campaign. Our chances
of winning again in Strasbourg are excellent but as with any legal
battle there are unavoidable costs. For the sake of the many people
who live under the flightpath and are longing for a decent night's
sleep let's hope this is the first of many contributions."
Wandsworth
makes cash call to save night flights ruling May 2002
Residents
face fresh night flights challenge April 2002