THE report in the Daily Echo that the expansion of Southampton and Bournemouth airports will bring extreme noise and pollution to even more local communities is alarming but not surprising, particularly given the lack of political will to do something about it.

Residents in Eastleigh, Bishopstoke and parts of Southampton have endured years of misery thanks to new airlines opening up new services and generating huge passenger numbers.

Astoundingly, Southamp-ton's Liberal Democrats - despite their party's claimed green credentials - saw the presence of an ever-expanding airport as a cause for celebration. Perhaps this is one reason they were shown the door at the last local election.

We can only hope that their counterparts in Eastleigh will listen to their constituents and take a more environmentally responsible view when they are asked to vote on BAA's proposals.

The vast increase in the number of flights over this part of Hampshire was always going to have a huge impact on new neighbourhoods, and make life intolerable for those already affected.

Let's hope that our representatives stand up for local people, and the future of the planet, and ensure that BAA's plans never take flight.

EASTLEIGH RESIDENT (name and address supplied).