Heathrow offers free therapy for neighbours whose homes will be bulldozed for new runway

Heathrow Airport will offer free therapy to locals whose homes will be demolished for its third runway.

London's largest airport is planning to build a 3,500-metre runway through a £49billion privately funded scheme in a bid to nearly double the airport's capacity by 2035.

But around 750 homes in Longford and Harmondsworth villages are at risk of demolition as a result.

Thousands more neighbours are bracing for increased noise pollution under the airport's new, wider flight path.

A senior community engagement officer from Heathrow wrote to those living in the compulsory purchase zone this month, announcing a new "mental wellbeing support service" paid for by the airport.

Independent health groups run the service, which offers a round-the-clock helpline and personalised one-to-one therapy sessions available online or in person.

The support package includes "direct access to specialist clinical treatments" like cognitive behavioural therapy, which the NHS describes as a talking treatment that "helps you change how you think".

Locals can also access interactive mobile apps and online courses to "help get support at their own pace".

The letter, according to The Times, said: "We recognise that clear definitions of support, strong upfront communication, transparency and clarity on timelines and decision-making will be essential in translating policy intent into effective, trusted outcomes for affected communities."

But Paul McGuinness, the chairman of the No Third Runway Coalition, said: "The launch of this service tells you all you need to know about the complexities of trying to push forward with this doomed project.

"Heathrow expansion is not just about building a new airport next to the existing one.

"Its damaging proposals have real-life impacts on so many of us in communities impacted by the proposals.

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"The Government must urgently recognise this and halt a third runway."

Ministers published the Airports National Policy Statement this month, which outlines the conditions the third runway must satisfy to secure planning permission.

A public consultation on the tarmac remains open until September 1.

Hotel tycoon Surinder Arora has put forward alternative plans for a shorter runway - though ministers have indicated they favour Heathrow's proposal.

However, it could soon hit an Andy Burnham-shaped obstacle.

The soon-to-be Prime Minister has raged that expanding the west London airport would "suck more activity and investment into the capital" at the expense of the North.

Becky Coffin, Heathrow's director of communities and residential property, said: "We know that years of uncertainty around expansion has created anxiety among the local community, which is why we are funding free access to confidential and independent mental health support for those most affected.

"We acknowledge that the coming years will be incredibly difficult for some, and this support is part of our commitment to be a better neighbour."

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