Flying enthusiasts are being ejected from an airfield which has been home to their aircraft for decades.

The instruction has come "out of the blue" in a solicitor’s letter ordering pilots to remove their planes and equipment from Maypole Airfield in Hoath, near Canterbury.

The owners of the airfield recently put the 55-acre site, plus a bungalow, up for sale through Strutt and Parker for £2 million as a going concern, although it is no longer listed on the agent’s website.

But with pilots given just 30 days to find an alternative location, there is speculation permission could be sought to develop the site.

They say they have not been consulted about the airfield closure and have criticised the way the situation has been handled.

The letter sent to them by Girlings Solicitors reads: "We act for Andy and Sally Haigh who as you know are owners of Maypole Airfield and we hereby give you formal notice that the airfield will close on the 10th of January, 2021.

"If you are unable to fly your aircraft from Maypole Airfield prior to the 11th of January, 2021, which is when the runway will close, you must make arrangements to remove your aircraft before that date by other means.

"Please ensure that all your belongings and any rubbish are removed from the airfield. Any items remaining on 11 January, 2021, will be deemed to have been abandoned by you and our clients will dispose of them as they see fit."

Ron Armitage and his partner Sandra Davis, who have had their light aircraft at Maypole for almost 17 years, say it is a shabby way to treat the pilots.

"I’ve gone from being full of rage to a blubbing wreck," said 74-year-old Ron, who used to own a glider club and is an air search volunteer.

"When it was put up for sale, we were led to believe that a new operator was being sought. But now we understand all the hangars will be demolished and the suspicion is that it will be developed in some way.

"Many of us have had our aircraft here for many years and we are like a family. It’s just so desperately sad.

"We get this letter out of the blue without any consultation, with a deadline to remove our aircraft, which is frankly very unreasonable given that the grass landing strip has been waterlogged and it’s not really safe to take off or land.

"Fortunately, we have a bush aircraft with big wheels and I have managed to get out but many others haven’t."

Nic Orchard, who owns a vintage aircraft, is not so fortunate because the ground remains too wet.

She has been flying since 1996 and has had her aircraft at Maypole for 15 years.

"It’s very disappointing because we had been led to believe a new aviation operator was interested in taking it on. Now I’m very worried about getting my aircraft out in these ground conditions."

"Maypole is really a bit special and a very rare resource for light aircraft so it’s loss will be felt hard."

Also among the almost 20 aircraft owners affected is Steve Hoskins, who lives in Woodnesborough and runs a building company.

He says the pilots have been treated “absolutely brutally” by the owners.

"It’s devastating for what has been a very close-knit community of flyers," he said.

"Maypole is really a bit special and a very rare resource for light aircraft so it’s loss will be felt hard."

Mr Hoskins, who is also a flying instructor, says he has managed to get his plane out but others now face difficulties because of the waterlogged airstrip.

"If they have to use lorries to move their aircraft elsewhere, that will be hugely complex and expensive," he said.

Andy and Sally Haigh were contacted y KentOnline for a comment about the future of the site.

Mr Haigh said: "No idea, I’m afraid. I can’t help you", then hung up.

Hoath Parish Council clerk Guy Foster says the situation was discussed at this week’s meeting of members and they will be taking a keen interest in what may be proposed for the site.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury.