SLOUGH is to partner with a neighbouring borough in a bid to ensure they both benefit from the Heathrow expansion in areas such as job opportunities.

Slough Borough Council has announced that it has formed a group with Spelthorne Council called ‘Working with Heathrow’.

The group hopes to make the most of employment, apprentice and investment opportunities that the airport has promised will benefit nearby communities following the building of a third runway.

In a joint statement, the two council leaders said: “The need for greater air capacity in London is acknowledged by all sides, and out of all the viable options for our long-term future, Heathrow’s expansion has been chosen as clearly the best.

“We hope that other local authorities will now join with us and seize the opportunity to work together with Heathrow to secure the best deal from its expansion for all our residents.

“Heathrow has been giving our economy a huge boost for generations and this expansion will bring even more jobs and growth, and improve our status as a global hub for trade and travel.”

Heathrow Airport’s Executive Director of Expansion, Emma Gilthorpe, welcomed the coalition.

She said: “We are pleased that Slough and Spelthorne have launched this initiative to work with us on our new approach to expansion. Like the members of the Heathrow Working Group, we are committed to delivering an expanded Heathrow that is affordable and better for our local residents and businesses.”