CAMPAIGNERS fighting proposals for a second runway at Stansted are to walk the area which would be lost to highlight the heritage the new development would destroy.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting proposals for a second runway at Stansted are to walk the area which would be lost to highlight the heritage the new development would destroy.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council and member of the CO2 - Council's Opposed to Second Runway - group will lead off the Runway Ramble on Saturday September 13.

Building a second runway will make Stansted as big as Heathrow today - and send tens of thousands more jet planes a year over Suffolk, adding to the growing noise problems.

Campaign groups in Suffolk are already furious at the current level of air traffic and fighting plans to alter flightpaths, while a new runway would mean routes needing to be changed all over again.

Hundreds are expected to take part in the Runway Ramble, organised by Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) to highlight the homes, countryside and heritage that would be “obliterated or severely compromised” by BAA's expansion.

Molehill Green - the starting point of the five-mile circular walk - would disappear if the proposals went ahead, with 35 historic buildings and the ancient Philipland Wood jeopardised by the plans.

SSE campaign director Carol Barbone said: “Lord Hanningfield's involvement as a member of the CO2 group highlights the threat a second runway would pose to the way of life of many thousands of people across the region, not least those who would suffer so adversely from overflying by almost three times the number of planes currently handled by Stansted and more than at Heathrow at present.”

The ramble, plus a shorter walk, starts at 10am and end at Molehill Green with a barbecue from noon.

People have until September 26 to send their views on the second runway application to Uttlesford District Council. A year-long public inquiry is to be held in April 2009.

BAA has said the second runway will provide “huge social and economic benefits” for the East of England, London and UK, and the company is doing all it can to limit, avoid and mitigate any environmental impact.

Should Stansted have a second runway? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk