CAMPAIGNERS fighting the expansion of Birmingham International Airport have slammed a new Government report.
The document reviews the progress made in implementing the proposals set out in the 2003 White Paper, The Future of Air Transport.
Birmingham anti-Noise Group (BANG) said the report had ignored the concerns of local people, particularly those whose homes have been blighted because of the threat of a second runway being built.
James Botham, secretary of BANG, said: "The Government assumes that BIA's draft compensation scheme covers all the affected properties but this is just not the case. To be eligible a property must be situated within a scheme boundary corresponding to the forecast noise contours for the second runway.
"Most of the properties in Catherine-de-Barnes - the area most severely blighted according to local estate agents - are completely excluded. The owners are denied even the offer of compensation which should rightfully be theirs."
BIA said it welcomed the restatement of a clear national policy on aviation provided by the Department for Transport's progress report.
Richard Heard, managing director, said: "International connectivity will play an increasingly important role in the economic success and prosperity of the Midlands and create the opportunity to build on the great strengths of the region's diversity.
"The report restates the strategy and benefits that BIA can bring as the region's key international gateway airport."
The White Paper backed the airport's plans to extend the existing runway to 3,000 metres and to build a second runway by 2016.
