OLYMPIC STARS COULD SOAR IN ; North Weald airfield flies plan to become an official games airport [Edition 2]

THE world's top athletes could be set to touch down at NorthWeald Airfield when the Olympic Games come to London in 2012.

The Gazette can reveal that Epping Forest District Council, whichowns the airfield, is looking to see how the facility could be usedduring the games, which take place in just under two years' time.

The aerodrome is just half an hour's car journey from the Olympicstadium in Stratford and the council wants to assess whether it canbe used by athletes, staff and visitors flying in for the Games.

The authority's deputy leader and business champion, ChrisWhitbread, said: "Aviation is one of the airfield's core activitiesand it is natural that people will think about how that can beadapted to the needs of the games."

Concerns The news is likely to raise concerns among someresidents over increased traffic, noise and pollution.

But Cllr Whitbread emphasised he would not allow the facility tobe used in a way that would be detrimental to the community.

"It is a fantastic asset but we will need to use it sensitively,"he said.

"There is always a balance to be struck. We are not going to turnNorth Weald into Heathrow or Stansted for the Games.

"I am determined that any potential airfield use benefits localbusiness and residents."

Cllr Whitbread continued: "The airfield already generates jobsand income for the district.

"It provides important leisure facilities and has a thrivingmarket.

As the recent celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Battleof Britain demonstrated, it is also at the heart of the localcommunity and we are determined that it should remain so."

The council stressed that its plans for the airfield are at anearly stage and said that a number of organisations, including thepolice, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Olympic OrganisingCommittee would be consulted. Cllr Whitbread added: "We will havemany people to talk to, not least the parish council and residentsof North Weald.

"The 2012 Olympics could be a great opportunity and it is up toall of us to make the most of it."

Trevor Archer, of the North Weald Airfield Users' Group, welcomedthe news.

"It gives North Weald the opportunity to show its potential," hesaid.