Heathrow is offering free therapy to residents impacted by the airport’s third runway proposal.
The consortium behind the airport in west London has proposed plans for a 3,500-metre runway as part of a £49 billion privately funded project.
If successful, the project will double the airport’s capacity by 2035 from 84 million annual passengers to 150 million.
However, concerns have been raised as some 750 homes would face demolition to make way for the runway in the villages of Harmondsworth and Longford.
Thousands more residents would suffer from increased noise pollution at the hands of the UK’s largest and busiest airport.
Now, the airport is planning to offer a “mental wellbeing support service” as revealed in a letter sent to residents this month.
The airport acknowledged that its proposals had caused “years of uncertainty” for residents, but said it would offer a 24/7 helpline, personal counselling, and one-to-one therapy.
The letter, reported by The Times, also said it would provide “direct access to specialist clinical treatments”, including cognitive behavioural therapy.
The letter was delivered to residents within the compulsory purchase zones, covering the land required for the new runway.
The launch of the service has only angered more residents and campaigners.
Paul McGuinness, chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, told the The Independent: “The launch of this service tells you all you need to know about the complexities of trying to push forward with this doomed project.”
Campaigners have continually argued against the expansion of the airport, as have some politicians, including Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband.
Earlier this month, The Standard reported that campaigners had accused ministers of “rushing” the public consultation for the airport expansion.
© The Standard Ltd