A former Harrow councillor is refusing to give up the fight over plans to expand Heathrow airport.

John Nickolay, 83, who served as the borough’s mayor in 2008/09, has consistently voiced his opposition to the proposals, which would see the introduction of a third runway.

He is concerned that further growth at Heathrow could lead to Harrow becoming “another Hounslow” which, he argues, suffers from “the intense number of low aircraft flying over every day”.

This issue of new flight paths is Mr Nickolay’s biggest worry – in his view, Harrow will inevitably be affected if a third runway is built.

“The Heathrow people admitted they needed to find a way of avoiding Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hillingdon suffering the same problem as exists in Hounslow,” he said.

“Their intention was to find a route where there were no houses, and it was remarkable when they were told by many people it would be impossible to do that because north-west London entirely comprises houses and flats.

“I have lived in Harrow for my entire life and, although it seems to be losing quite a bit of its previous nature, don’t want it being totally ruined by numerous low flying aircraft.”

In June, transport secretary Chris Grayling announced that plans for a new runway were signed off by cabinet ministers, describing it as “in the national interest”.

Harrow councillors from both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party have supported expansion, though they called for transparency when it comes to new flight paths.

Cllr Sachin Shah, who, as leader of Harrow Council, joined the ‘Back Heathrow’ campaign, said it was important to “mitigate impacts on neighbours and the environment”.

And Cllr Paul Osborn, leader of Harrow Conservatives, said it must be “clear” where the new paths will be and urged those behind the project to work with and reassure the public.

“Heathrow does need expanding, but we need to make sure that the flight paths do not unduly affect Harrow, or anywhere in London,” he added.

Mr Nickolay said he spoke with the current council leader, Cllr Graham Henson, about the possible risks associated with expansion at Heathrow.

He urged all councillors to research the matter and take an active interest in trying to shape it to avoid the conditions experienced by those already living near the airport.