THERE has been plenty of Echo coverage in recent days of ‘Go! Southampton’ and the successful bid for City of Culture short list status, creating a wonderful vision of the Southampton of the future.

Both of the bodies responsible for these ventures seem to be strangely silent on the need for a functioning local airport.

How can we support and promote Southampton as a regional and national destination without the appropriate transport access?

The ‘anti’ campaign continue with their efforts to delay or frustrate the project.

If successful, or if the owners decide to invest elsewhere and let Southampton airport wither and die, not only will our range of inbound options be restricted, but also the million or so residents within the catchment area will also be denied a convenient and local transport hub.

Will Go Southampton and the City of Culture team now state publicly that on balance, a viable airport is vital to both of their projects?

Ian Ritchie Email