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Last ditch reprieve for Daedalus airfield businesses
HAMPSHIRE'S aviation businesses are celebrating after the controversial decision to close an airfield to general flights has been overturned at the 11th hour.
On what was meant to be the last day of general flights at Daedalus airfield, Hampshire Police announced it would remain open.
The change of heart came as a result of the introduction of a new operating regime that meets the force's requirements for enhanced safety at the site.
The airfield is home to the force's Air Support Unit and Maritime and Coastguard Agency's search and rescue helicopters.
Last October aviation businesses were outraged when they were given just 30 days to relocate due to police concerns over safety at the site.
The force was concerned about the combination of gliders and general aviation aircraft operating without a dedicated radio frequency.
But the new regime is dependant on the installation and operation of a new air-to-ground radio and associated dedicated radio frequency, purchased and operated by the Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club.
To ensure the changes will not be paid for by the taxpayer, users will also be required to pay a landing fee.
Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Paul Kernaghan, said: "I am pleased that we have been able to arrive at a solution that satisfies our safety concerns while allowing general aviation to continue to use the airfield.
"Importantly, this will be done in a way that ensures that taxpayers are not required to bear the cost of accommodating general aviation at Daedalus."
Steve Cockshott from the Lee Flying Association welcomed the announcement that went along with their proposals they submitted for a solution.
He said: "We are very happy. It has been a long road with lots of ups and downs along the way but this is the best outcome for everybody.
"We get continued use of the airfield, the police will receive income from those using it and they will also benefit from the much safer regime when they are flying.
"It seemed very bleak when we got the first 30 day warning but the Chief Constable has really taken on board our proposals and listened to what we have had to say and we are pretty happy.
"It is good news for everybody. Nobody can loose."
2:19pm Wednesday 14th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Broadsword, Romsey on 6:16pm Wed 14 May 08
The last word is LOSE, are professional journalists employed on this paper? It`s not even just a spelling mistake, it`s a completely different word, it means "not tight". If I were to be really pedantic I would also deplore the use of "they" when describing a singular body, the flying association or the police force. This has become so regular in the Echo and other papers it can probably be described as the language evolving. Councils, Committees, Charities are singular, as in "Southampton City Council HAS decided that IT will not fund an Ice Rink, an angry resident said, "I am gutted that IT HAS taken this decision" "
The last word is LOSE, are professional journalists employed on this paper? It`s not even just a spelling mistake, it`s a completely different word, it means "not tight". If I were to be really pedantic I would also deplore the use of "they" when describing a singular body, the flying association or the police force. This has become so regular in the Echo and other papers it can probably be described as the language evolving. Councils, Committees, Charities are singular, as in "Southampton City Council HAS decided that IT will not fund an Ice Rink, an angry resident said, "I am gutted that IT HAS taken this decision" "
Posted by: JB Soton, Gosport on 11:59pm Wed 14 May 08
Cool it man! stress kills! Wimpey will win they always do.
Cool it man! stress kills! Wimpey will win they always do.
Posted by: Broadsword, Romsey on 11:17am Thu 15 May 08
[quote][bold]JB Soton[/bold] wrote:
Cool it man! stress kills! Wimpey will win they always do.[/quote] Do you mean "it always does", not stressed-irritated.
JB Soton wrote:
Cool it man! stress kills! Wimpey will win they always do.
Do you mean "it always does", not stressed-irritated.
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