Alleged corrupt payments to Shepway District Councillors for Lydd runway extension
Private Eye’s “Rotten Boroughs Awards 2011” lists Zaher Deir, former boss of Lydd Airport in Kent, who told a court that unusual spending patterns on his company credit card were accounted for by “gifts” to Shepway councillors who were to determine a planning application for a runway extension. The court accepted his explanation. Shepway Green Party and Lydd Airport Action Group are among those demanding a full investigation. Local MP Damian Collins, appeared to agree that an investigation was needed. An inspector is due to rule in March 2012 on whether the runway extension is to be allowed
Action Group call for investigation on the corrupt allegations against Shepway District Councillors on Lydd runway extension
Private Eye
Rotten Boroughs Awards 2011
To Zaher Deir, former boss of Lydd Airport in Kent, who told a court that unusual spending patterns on his company credit card were accounted for by “gifts” to Shepway councillors who were to determine a planning application for a runway extension. The court accepted his explanation.
http://www.private-eye.co.uk/sections.php?section_link=rotten_boroughs&issue=1304
Shepway Community Newspaper
19.11.2011
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1uq3s/ShepwayCommunityNews/resources/27.htm
Zaher Deir is the ex-MD of Lydd Airport. He was suing airport owner, Sheikh Fahad Al Athel over alleged non-payment of derectorship fees. In evidence the sheikh challenged some of Deir’s spending on his company credit card. That was when Deir told the court that the purchases were not for his own benefit but were gifts to councillors to further the interests of the comnpany.
The backdrop to this is Shepway District Council’s decision to back an expansion of Lydd Airport,contrary to strong advice from its own planning officers and opposition from many local and national groups and many local residents. After 8 months of evidence, a planning inspector is now deciding whether to grant permission for a runway extension and a new terminal at the airport. The ruling is expected in March 2012.
Shepway Green Party and Lydd Airport Action Group are among those demanding a full investigation. In an exchange on Twitter, local MP Damian Collins, appeared to agree that an investigation was needed. He tweeted that any allegations against councillors should be investigated but Deir has not named anyone or given any specifics. Collins has been vocal in his backing for the airport extension.
Martin Whyterow of Shepway Green Partyy comments that these allegations are extremely serious and we hope that they will not be brushed under the carpet. Our local MP has been a high profile critic of corruption at world football body, FIFA, and we expect him to be equally loud in relation to these allegations much nearer to home.
One disappointing aspect has been taht so many local people have not been surprised by the allegations. There needs to be a transparent and thorough investigation, otherwise a shadow will hang over the Council’s backing for the airport and this woulod cause people to doubt whether other Council decisions are made on merit.
also
Lydd Airport Action Group on Twitter
https://twitter.com/#!/LAAGsayno
LAAGsayno LyddAirportActionGrp
also
Shepway Green Party at http://www.shepwaygreenparty.com/?p=130