COLCHESTER MP Bob Russell’s lobbying effort has helped secure tens of millions of pounds for an airport in a tiny island in the south Atlantic.
The government has announced that St Helena, a British Overseas Territory which shares its name with Colchester’s patron saint, will get a long sought after airport.
Last year island governor Andrew Gurr visited Colchester to press the case for an air link to the 162 sq mile island, which is currently only accessible by lengthy boat journeys.
He received the backing of Lib Dem Mr Russell, the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Island of St Helena Group, after hearing it would boost trade and make the impoverished island less dependent on welfare.
* See Monday's Gazette for full story
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