It is sad that 19 ATC Lasham workers have lost their jobs at Southend Airport (June 15), and I’m sure members of Stop Airport Expansion Now offer their sympathy.

However, the Echo’s claim that any suggestion airport expansion is in question is “probably unfounded” should not go unchallenged.

We are working with hypotheticals here and the Echo is in a position to ask the airport to give specific examples of how the expansion would benefit us.

The case for airport expansion is based on unfounded aspirations.

Given the huge costs expansion would bring – the loss of Eastwoodbury Lane, more congestion on the A127 and disruption caused by low-flying aircraft – the public has a right to more justification than a flimsy promise of unspecified benefits to the local economy and a nebulous promise of jobs.

Blaming the Icelandic volcano for the loss of jobs at ATC Lasham is nonsensical – if anything it should have led to an increase in jobs as jet engines which have ingested ash will need to be overhauled.

It is time we realised that relying on an unsustainable industry that causes disproportionate environmental pollution to rejuvenate our economy is unwise. ATC Lasham staff could be retrained to manufacture renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbine blades, and be guaranteed a far more stable job.

Asking us to hope the “aviation industry bounces back” when oil production is expected to peak this decade is irresponsible. We need to save the remaining oil for the most important uses, such as food production, instead of burning it in aircraft engines to send people on weekend breaks to European cities they could reach by train.

Denis Walker
Stop Airport Extension Now
East Street
Southend