THE Swindon Chamber of Commerce has said an extension to Heathrow is vital to boost the local economy.

A report is due out in the coming days on which will lay out the case for either building a third runway at Heathrow or choosing to expand Gatwick.

It has caused much debate in and around London but whatever the decision there will be a an economic impact for the rest of the country.

However, the TVCC, of which Swindon is a part, has said the region will see the most benefit if the decision is to go with building the extra runway at Heathrow.

One reason for this is that the expansion will also bring with it an expansion of the rail network, meaning a possible direct line between Swindon and the international airport.

Clair Prosser, policy executive at the Swindon Chamber of Commerce, said: “As the leading business organisation and campaigning voice in the Thames Valley, Heathrow is of great importance to our 3,000 members.

“Many international and companies from the USA have based their headquarters within the Thames Valley and along the M4 corridor.

“They have done this specifically due to the location and proximity to Heathrow. The proposed Western Access to Heathrow Rail link will also transform journeys into the airport from Wiltshire, Swindon and the West, ensuring these areas can participate in the full economic benefits. In turn – many jobs are created from this decision.

“In essence, Heathrow is vitally important to our members for its international connectivity affecting exports and inward investment, the number of large corporations based here and most importantly, jobs.”

An independent report by QUOD, commissioned by Heathrow, backed up the view that the building of a third runway would bring huge benefits.

It said that by 2050 more than 12,000 jobs would be created compared with just under 4,000 if Gatwick was the chosen option. On top of that there would also be an increase of ten per cent in regional GDP.

The Airports Commission puts the economic benefit of expansion at Heathrow to the country at £211billion.

“Distant economies in Asia and the Americas are growing quickly, while traditional markets in Europe face a low growth future,” said Clair.

“Businesses all over Britain need new connections to the world’s fastest growing markets. Heathrow will be an airport for the whole country, not just for London and the South-East. Every part of the UK needs access to global markets.

“The decision about airport expansion is about more than passengers.”