Almost 60,000 people voted in Richmond Council’s Heathrow referendum and the majority were opposed to expansion, it was announced today.

Both Richmond and Hillingdon held four-week ballot votes, which ended last week, in the hope of showing the Government people do want to see a third runway at the west London airport.

More than 100,000 west London people voted in the referendum, with 43 per cent of Richmond’s 136,880 ballots distributed giving their response.

Residents were invited to vote on two questions: - Should a third runway be built at Heathrow?

- Are you in favour of more flights into and out of Heathrow?

In Richmond, 80 per cent voted no to question one and 82 per cent no to question, while in Hillingdon 66 per cent voted no to question one and two.

In an announcement at City Hall today, Mayor Boris Johnson said: “I think this sends a very powerful message.

“The best thing the Government can do now is take that idea of a third runway off Heathrow.

“I think it is very important that we do get this message out there clearly and now we have the data to show that a huge majority are opposed to a third runway at Heathrow and that sends a very strong message to the Government.”

He said the focus was now on alternative solutions to expansion at Heathrow, such as down-scaling the airport and building a new hub airport elsewhere.

Leader of Richmond Council Lord True said: “I have said it will be bare knuckle fighting against those big business interests that want to push Heathrow.

“This council will use any legal means to oppose Heathrow expansion. The people have spoken – now let the people be heard. “This government has rightly promoted the use of referendums by local councils.

“We have pioneered in the use of this device and the result is outstanding, a staggering number of people taking the chance to have a direct say on a big policy issue and make their voice heard.”

Bosses at Heathrow said the referendums carried out by Richmond and Hillingdon were based on an outdated runway proposal not being promoted by the airport.

A Heathrow spokesman said: “Their conclusions are based on the responses of 30 per cent of the boroughs’ populations – with about 20 per cent of residents voting against Heathrow.

“Heathrow will submit outline proposals for additional capacity to the Airports Commission in July and we are committed to consulting with the councils and their residents and listening to their views as we develop our plans.”