A survey conducted by online market research firm YouGov has shown that the majority of residents living in the areas surrounding London Gatwick Airport are still in support of constructing a second runway.
Three separate YouGov polls, the first for more than a year, show that the majority of residents living around Gatwick (49%), and those throughout both West Sussex (53%) and Kent (47%), continue to support the expansion of the airport. Only 34%/27%/22% respectively would prefer to see London Heathrow Airport expanded instead.
More than 3,000 people were polled in total and in all three surveys job creation was the single biggest issue residents associated with the expansion of Gatwick (55%/62%/54%). A majority in all three constituencies also said that expanding Gatwick was important for the local economy (61%/62%/64%).
Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick, said, “It is welcome news that a majority of local residents continue to support the expansion of Gatwick. We will keep listening to all of our local communities as we are determined to be the best neighbor possible.
“If we get the green light to expand, we will work closely with local councils, businesses and neighborhood groups to ensure that the benefits are shared widely. A second runway will provide a significant boost to the local economy and provide thousands of new jobs for generations to come.”