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Despite its bid to become the greenest borough in London, Haringey Council has refused to join a coalition of local authorities opposing an expansion at Heathrow.

In the last two weeks, neighbouring boroughs Islington and Camden have both signed up to the 2M Group, or Two million voices against Heathrow expansion, alongside nine other London boroughs.

But calls from environmental pressures group for the council to pledge its support have been rejected.

Councillor Brian Haley, cabinet member for environment and conservation, disregarded the invitation saying: "Our main concern about the airport expansion is how CO2 emmissions are going to be managed."

Critics of the proposals insist that an expansion at the West London airport won't just affect the surrounding area but the capital as a whole.

The introduction of a third runway would mean an additional 220,000 flights a year, higher levels of noise pollution and more carbon emissions caused by new flight paths - many of which could fly over the borough.

Janet Boorman, a campaigner from Tottenham and Wood Green Friends of the Earth, said: "The third runway will bring more aircraft over Haringey.

"It will be responsible for more carbon dioxide emissions than the whole of Uganda, with over 25 million people. It's obscene to be doing this when we desperately need to cut emissions to prevent climate catastrophe.

"Haringey says it is the greenest borough, so it should at least join up - it costs local taxpayers nothing to do so."

Hornsey and Wood Green MP, Lynne Featherstone, who has signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for the for proposed third runway to be scrapped, said: "I cannot believe that Haringey Council has failed to take a position on this vital issue for Haringey's residents.

"Where other councils across London are taking a strong stance, Haringey Council has yet again shown that it is completely devoid of any environmental credentials."

8:55am Monday 17th March 2008

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