The decision by a small majority of West Sussex County Council to vote against the proposed expansion plans for a second runway at Gatwick is to be welcomed.

Not least for the simple reason that the airport never quite explained how the demands created by the projected huge increase in passengers could be met by the already over-stretched rail and road networks.

It has long been known that the main Brighton train line is full to capacity and the M23 and M25 would need massive investment. So, however appealing the business case for expansion – it could only be at the expense of the residents of West Sussex.

Stuart Elms, Rackham Road, Tarring