Campaigners opposed to Heathrow Airport expansion on Tuesday launched a new coalition in their latest effort to oppose a third runway at the airport.
18 local groups have come together to form the No Third Runway Coalition which will lobby MPs, councils and officials to support their course.
Labour MP for Hayes & Harlington and shadow chancellor John McDonnell hailed the move as a major step in the battle to reduce noise and air pollution.
Conservative MP for Twickenham, Tania Mathias, said: “Every community affected is concerned about the increase in noise and air pollution and the financial costs for all taxpayers.”
The No Third Runway Coalition brings together various groups such as Stop Heathrow Expansion, HACAN, Teddington Action Group and Brentford-based BASH Runway 3.
Robert Barnstone, the full-time coordinator denied claims that the campaign was funded by rival airports, insisting that funding was sourced from individuals and green groups.
He said: “We will increase our lobbying of MPs and be mounting a major campaign to get as many residents as possible to respond to the current consultation.”
Meanwhile, Surrey County Council (SCC) has called for inclusion of Surrey Heath and Elmbridge boroughs in public consultations on expanding the airport.
The council complained that public consultation events were held in Runnymede and Spelthorne but "no meetings are planned for Surrey Heath and Elmbridge, even though the two areas have been affected by changes to flight paths around the airport and flight path trials".
Councillor Mike Goodman, SCC's cabinet member for environment and planning, said: "Residents in Surrey Heath and Elmbridge must be given a proper opportunity to make their views known on proposals for a third runway at Heathrow and it seems utterly perverse to deny these areas public events."
Heathrow expansion was recommended by a commission in 2015 and received approval from the government last year.