CROYDON could be among the places to benefit if Gatwick gets a second runway, according to the airport's boss.
Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said this week that Croydon Council was among those keen for Gatwick to get the nod over Heathrow, to help bring prosperity, jobs and growth to the town.
Mr Wingate said: "I know there are certain local authorities that are very keen to have the additional housing and benefits a second runway at Gatwick would bring.
"There are certain local authorities in a commutable distance that want the jobs the airport will bring. I know Croydon want them, for example."
Mr Wingate was speaking in the week Gatwick unveiled a £200 million fund to support its application for a second runway.
The proposal to build an additional runway is currently being considered by the Government's Airport Commission, alongside a plan for a third runway at Heathrow.
Mr Wingate, who also met Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell last week to discuss the possible benefits for this area, said: "A second runway here means that we have two world-class airports rather than all our eggs in one basket with Heathrow."
Mr Barwell said on Twitter last Friday: "Really good meeting with Gatwick Airport this evening, hearing about their plans for a second runway & how this would benefit Croydon."
This follows a call from Croydon's London Assembly member Steve O' Connell, who last week said a second runway at Gatwick would be "the perfect catalyst" for new homes, business and jobs in the borough.
