Closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport kick in the teeth for the North

South Yorkshire Liberal Democrats have condemned Peel Group's closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport calling it short-sighted and a kick in the teeth for the North.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is set to close after its owner, Peel Group, said that no "tangible proposals" had been received regarding its future ownership. The closure is due to the airport's "fundamental lack of financial viability", and it will result in the loss of 800 jobs.

Lib Dem Group Leader on Sheffield City Council Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed said, "It's incredibly disappointing to see that despite outcry from both political and business leaders, they have still decided to close.

"This is a short-sighted decision that will have a devastating impact on local people. The airport adds around £100 million to the local economy - not to mention the 800 families directly impacted by this decision.

"With such devastating news for our region, we now need Mayor Oliver Coppard to show leadership. What's his Plan B? How are we going to save these jobs and protect the £100 million this airport brings to our economy?

"Times are tough for everyone at the minute. But we can't reap the rewards when times have been good and then run at the first sign of things getting tough. This decision is a real kick in the teeth for the North."

Councillor Hannah Kitching, Leader of Barnsley Liberal Democrats said, "I think the Mayor needs to see the bigger picture here. I agree with him that this closure is incredibly disappointing. But where will the customers go? A lot of them will now fly from Manchester. Manchester Airport is part-owned by the councils in Greater Manchester!

"The Labour Leaders of all the South Yorkshire councils and the Labour Mayor need to put their heads together and find what works for us. Find what protects South Yorkshire's interests.

"The Mayor has done enough following. He now needs to lead and protect these jobs."