A west London chamber of commerce has said expansion at Heathrow Airport is the “only logical conclusion”.

Frank Wingate, chief executive of West London Business has urged the government not to waver in its support for a third runway.

Mr Wingate commented following the announcement by Geoff Hoon, secretary of state for transport, to delay the decision until January.

He said: “We appreciate that the government needs to give careful consideration to the Heathrow expansion decision, but construction of the third runway is the only logical conclusion.

“As we enter a recession, protecting the economic health of west London has never been more important for London and the wider UK economy.”

Mr Win gate support expansion because he says it will be vital for west London's economic wellbeing.

He added: “Delaying Heathrow expansion is frustrating for our members. Not expanding the capacity of the U K's principal airport poses a serious threat of Heathrow declining, putting jobs and prosperity in west London at risk.

“Heathrow directly employs some 72,000 people and supports another 100,000 jobs in our locality.”