Residents are urged to share their views on the government's plans to expand Heathrow at a Community Conversation event, as Richmond Council says it "continues to make clear its firm opposition to a third runway and any proposals that would increase noise and pollution or impact the quality of life in the borough".

The event on Thursday, 23 July will give residents the opportunity to discuss the latest government consultation on Heathrow expansion – officially called the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS) – where they can ask questions and share how the proposals could impact their homes, health and quality of life.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, leader of Richmond Council, said: "Heathrow expansion would be a huge backwards step for our borough.

"A third runway would mean more aircraft overhead, worse air quality, higher carbon emissions and even more pressure on communities that already live with the daily impact of what is already Europe's busiest airport.

"Richmond Council's position is clear: London deserves a better Heathrow, not a bigger one. Our community should not be expected to pay the price of expansion through poorer health, reduced quality of life and increased environmental harm.

"The government consultation runs through the peak summer holiday period, limiting the opportunity for public engagement. So, it is vital residents take this chance to have their say and use their voice.

"The Community Conversation event is an opportunity for residents to tell us directly what these plans would mean for them and their families, and to have their views included in our formal response to the plans."

The event will run from 7.30pm - 9.30pm at York House in Twickenham and online.

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The council advises residents to register their attendance online here.

Residents can also have their say on the Heathrow expansion plans by responding directly to the public consultation.

The Council has criticised the timing of the government's HENPS consultation, which runs until 1 September, warning that communities must be given a fair chance to scrutinise plans of this scale.

Richmond Council has long campaigned for stronger protections for residents affected by Heathrow, including action on aircraft noise, air quality and night flights.

It says it will continue to work with neighbouring boroughs, MPs and community groups to challenge proposals that would worsen the impact of the airport on local communities.

You can view more information on Richmond Council's opposition to Heathrow expansion here.