Closure Of Sheffield Airport Needs Investigating
Sheffield -- Monday 16 May, 2011
I am calling for an investigation into the closure of Sheffield City Airport today. Having looked closely at the facts, I am convinced that the circumstances into the loss of this infrastructure warrants an enquiry.
A recent BBC story writes: "Sheffield City Airport, which opened in 1997, operated as a commercial airport until 2001. Eleven years after opening, the airport finally closed in April 2008 after an independent report said it was not viable."
It's true that the issue here concerns value for money. But there is a body of evidence that shows that the decision to close the Airport was unjust, and the Airport could have been made viable. Now, with plans to rip up the runway just weeks away, I am worried by the lack of transparency in the whole process and I would like questions to be answered.
For example, why, with £3m pounds of European money going into the project, did the airport struggle to attract business?
As I understand, under terms of the contract between the original airport company and Sheffield Development Corporation redevelopment agency, the site owners could have the publicly-owned land for £1 if it did not make any money after 10 years.
I have been talking to a local pressure group that has been set up. I share the group’s concerns about the use of European grant money and it not being well-used.
The European Commission has not yet come to a conclusion and it would be dangerous to proceed with planning applications concerning development of the runway until the matter is resolved.
Of course I realise that the airport ‘had difficulties’ but I believed it could still be a success if reopened - and if other firms were willing to take it on from Peel. There are lots of people all over Europe who I think would be interested in buying the airport. London City Airport was the same type of venture and has become a success - Sheffield could still be.
