IF THEY don't want an airport at Cliffe, we will have it at Lydd. That was the message from councillors and owners of the London Ashford airport this week.

On the same day as a High Court judgement was made to seek a judicial review on the Government's consultation on the future of airport provision, councillors and airport executives met to discuss plans to expand Lydd.

They believe Lydd is the only viable solution to the South East's runway and airspace congestion problem. The Romney Marsh airport was highlighted as one of the five non-London airports to be considered for expansion as part of a Government report in July, but was not viewed as a real alternative to expansion at Gatwick or the proposal at Cliffe.

The airport, which runs a daily passenger service to Le Touquet, could see up to two million passengers through its gates if plans go ahead. They want to run passenger services to Europe as well as private and corporate flights, and commercial cargo and courier services.

Speaking at the meeting on Tuesday night, the airport's chief operating officer, Jonathan Gordon, highlighted the major economic benefits to the area, including the extra jobs created. His main case for expansion was the air traffic congestion over London, which he said would not be relieved by expanding Gatwick or building at Cliffe.