Blackpool residents' airport parking fears as new flight routes revealed
2:06pm Friday 16th May 2008
Residents near Blackpool Airport are worried about plans to expand visitor numbers to the site if parking provision is not improved.
Development company Balfour Beatty finalised their takeover of the Squires Gate airport last week, and announced plans to invest £90m over the next 20 years to grow the airport.
But a Squires Gate ward councillor wants issues over parking addressed before the airport increases visitor numbers.
Councillor Doug Green said: "It's one of the only complaints that residents in the area have, but the parking is a real concern.
"We would encourage the airport to expand because it is great for the town, but we need to look at a real alternative for visitor parking, because the provision at the moment is very restricted.
"Perhaps the airport operators need to look at doing a deal with private contractors, and making use of land that is a mile or so away, where a park and ride system could be introduced."
The resort's council leader, Councillor Peter Callow, said plans were afoot to look at the issue of parking.
He said: "We have a task force group set up to look at parking around the airport, and they are due to meet again in about a month. We are looking at ways to encourage people to use public transport, such as extending the tramway system to the airport."
Balfour Beatty's airport control arm, Regional & City Airports (RCA), have also said they are looking at adding new routes to the airport's schedule.
Clive Coleman, development director at RCA, said: "We want to make Blackpool the airport of choice for the residents of Lancashire and Cumbria. This airport has so much untapped potential that we believe it can continue to grow.
"We will be looking at expanding the routes offered at the airport as soon as possible, and will talk to carriers about operating new routes from Blackpool International Airport."
- Yesterday Blackpool International Airport announced a new flight route to Geneva starting this December.
Jet2.com will be starting a weekly departure from Blackpool International Airport every Saturday from December 13 until April 18, 2009.
Susan Kendrick, Communications Manager at Blackpool Airport, said: "There is an overwhelming demand for a direct route to the French and Swiss Alps from residents across Lancashire and Cumbria and we're confident that these flights will prove popular from the word go."
David Kershaw, chief executive at Blackpool International Airport, added: "We're delighted to be able to offer passengers a new winter destination to Geneva.
"Following the announcement of Balfour Beatty's acquisition of the airport last week, this clearly demonstrates Jet2.com's continued confidence in Blackpool and will help us achieve our aim of becoming the airport of choice for residents, businesses and visitors across Lancashire and Cumbria.
"By offering more flights and destinations, we are encouraging people to use their local airport so that their travelling times are shorter and the start of their journey is a stress free and enjoyable experience."