PROSPECTIVE parliamentary candidates vying for one of Powys’ two coveted seats in next month’s general election have been getting to the heart of matters that could well get them elected – like the prospect of constructing a second runway at the UK’s most famous fictitious airport.

Llandegley International Airport chiefs contacted all eight MP candidates for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe ahead of the election on July 4, asking them asking them for their views on proposals for a second runway and how current green energy plans for turbines and pylons near the airport will affect holidaymakers.

Former Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones replied and threw her weight behind the airport, saying she would “fully support” plans for a second, if not a third, runway at Llandegley, while also promising to work with the Department for Transport, if she is re-elected, on setting up new flight routes for the airport.

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David Chadwick, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the newly-revamped constituency, described Llandegley as Mid Wales’ “best kept secret” and said he hoped the UK’s first commercial Helium-lift airships could be based at the made-up airfield, near Llandrindod Wells.

Llandegley International founder Nicholas Whitehead said he has so far received responses from four of the eight candidates, expressing great surprise that the Green Party was not one of them – especially considering Llandegley International is famed for having the lowest carbon emissions of any airport in the world.

“We asked each of the eight parliamentary candidates for the new B&R constituency about their views and policies regarding Llandegley International,” said Mr Whitehead, posting on the airport’s popular Facebook page.

He received replies from Ms Jones and Mr Chadwick, as well as Adam Hill of Reform UK and Lady Lily the Pink, of the Monster Raving Loony Party.

“I have so far received no replies from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Abolish the Welsh Assembly or, remarkably, the Green Party,” said Mr Whitehead.

“Llandegley International has the lowest carbon emissions of any airport in the world. It is also one of the quietest. Why are the Greens not interested?”

There were some great responses from the airport's Facebook page followers – of which there are 5,400.

Llandegley International Airport recently had a permanent sign built, following a crowdfunding campaign.Llandegley International Airport recently had a permanent sign built, following a crowdfunding campaign. (Image: Llandegley International Airport)

“That's the sort of figure that could easily swing an election in this constituency,” said Mr Whitehead. “Candidates – you ignore the airport at your peril.”

“The airport is such an important hub. You have really put us on the map,” former MP Ms Jones, of the Conservative party, said.

“I would fully support a second, if not third, runway at Llandegley.”

She confessed she is very worried about the impact of the Nant Mithil Energy Park on the airport; proposals would see Bute Energy’s flagship project built in the nearby Radnor Forest.

Ms Jones added: “Although the turbines might be helpful for guiding pilots into land I worry that they might affect the flight path of smaller aircraft.

Fay Jones, former MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, said she would “fully support” plans for a second, if not a third, runway at Llandegley. Fay Jones, former MP for Brecon and Radnorshire, said she would “fully support” plans for a second, if not a third, runway at Llandegley.

“If re-elected, it would be my honour to work with the Department for Transport on setting up new flight routes for the airport.”

Mr Chadwick said: “This is Mid Wales’ best kept secret and the second runway could unleash untold potential for economic growth, supporting export markets and tourism.

“I am extremely keen to explore the potential for the UK’s first commercial Helium-lift airships to be based here, operating from runway two.”

Mr Hill said Reform is opposed to Bute’s plans because there are no tangible benefits for Welsh people.

“Turbines are probably the most useless form of renewable energy on offer,” he said.

Monster Raving Loony representative Lady Lily the Pink said: “I am delighted there might be a second runway at such an environmentally sound site as Llandegley.”

Regarding windfarm proposals, she said they would only cause “irreparable damage” to Wales’ future as a tourist destination.