Gatwick airport security

(The Express On Sunday Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) YOUR article about Gatwick ("Airport security exposed as farce", Sunday Express, May 21), is based on unsubstantiated claims by Ken Fisher, who was employed by Groundstar for a period of one day.

I would like to clear up the following inaccuracies in the piece.

No employee of Groundstar is admitted to any restricted area without full compliance of airport operator and Department for Transport security regulations.

Indeed, the integrity of security at Gatwick airport is such that we firmly believe it would be impossible for any employee to pass a security point without a properly completed visitor pass. This has to be supported by substantial secondary ID (such as a passport) and the holder must be accompanied by a named escort who holds a valid airport ID.

This, however, was never tested as, by the member of staff 's own admission, he never went 'airside' (beyond the security control).

We have strict procedures in place to protect the security of the airport and aircraft, procedures which help to make British aviation among the safest in the world.

We will be investigating the other issue of alleged racism by a trainee.

This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Groundstar will investigate the other specific points raised in the article and will continue to review security and ensure that the company continues to comply absolutely with both BAA and DfT procedures to their satisfaction.

Tina Barbour, Chief Executive, Swissport.