A MAJOR new airport at Cliffe would affect the future of Ashford by having an adverse impact on the long-term prospects for economic growth.

After debating their response to the SE Regional Air Study, the Executive of Ashford council has objected to the North Kent proposal, but given a clear indication that they would back the expansion of Lydd Airport.

They feel that development at Cliffe would result in significant instability in the local employment market causing uncertainty for investors, greater levels of commuting and an imbalance in the local labour market.

It would also result in increased pressures for urbanisation in the county impacting on the need for further land releases beyond those envisaged in the Ashford Future Study.

Councillors also fear there could be a reduction in the proposed frequency of domestic rail services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to Ashford and East Kent, which would impact on long term prospects for local economic growth.

The recommendations also state that: "The Borough Council regrets the unduly negative approach to further expansion at Lydd airport taken in the SERAS report, and urges the Government to review the potential for additional passenger growth in the light of the proposed expansion of Ashford and associated improvements in road and rail communications."

Labour leader Cllr Allen Wells reminded members of the long standing association Ashford had with Lydd airport and stressed they should back any development.

He said: "Lydd has a lot going for it including a rail line going right past it. The owners have said they could cope with up to 2 million more passengers.

"It will affect the commercial viability of this area and we should be 100 per cent behind its expansion." Cllr Leader Paul Clokie said that he was concerned about suggesting growth in the council reply to Cliffe plans.

"The Lydd owners have asked to make a presentation to us and we can respond to their suggestions with more careful thought after that.

"We do not want more scares."