Misrepresentations
In the past year or two we have suffered from serious misrepresentations. The following note is based on a letter we had to write to the Leader and Chief Executive of a local district council to answer false allegations made against us, and circulated widely to other councils, by one persistent individual who has had a career in the aviation industry.
It is not true that we 'continually oppose any improvements or extensions' at Gatwick. Our aim, as clearly stated on our website home page, is to improve the environment around Gatwick. What we oppose are developments which have an adverse effect on the environment. In the case of planning applications we often seek conditions which would allow the development to proceed while lessening the adverse impact.
It is not true that GACC is a ‘one man band’. We have a committee of 14 people elected at our AGM. They come from a wide area, including Crawley, Horley, Reigate, Charlwood, Coldharbour, Rudgwick, Warnham, Nutley, and Edenbridge. All committee members play a full part in our activities. All our documents and press releases are drafted and approved by the whole committee.
It is not true to say that if councillors join GACC they would have to declare an interest in any debate on airport matters and take no part in the debate. That rule was abolished in the Localism Act 2011.
It is not true to say that 'local councils are not allowed' to become members of environmental groups such as GACC. There is no such legislation or regulation.
It is not true that our membership figures are exaggerated. On the grounds of confidentiality we do not publish the names of our members but membership of over 80 councils and groups has been confirmed by our membership secretary and by our treasurer: they have all sent us cheques or paid by standing order.
It is misleading to disparage GACC by saying that we were turned down for charitable status. That was in 1980 and the reason given was that one of our functions was to lobby Parliament to pass legislation to control aircraft noise. The rules relating to charities have been relaxed since then but we have not felt it necessary to reapply for charitable status.
We recognise that some people feel a great loyalty to the aviation industry but that is no justification for promulgating misrepresentations about a voluntary environmental group which is recognised as a valuable member of the airport consultative committee and which has won the respect of local MPs and councils over the past 40 years.