Gillingham FC chairman Paul Scally is one of scores of businessmen who have signed an open letter calling on MPs and councils in north Kent to drop their strident opposition to a Thames Estuary airport.

The more than 70 signatories say politicians have been too quick coming out against the idea, and want them to discuss ways the area could get the best deal from an airport.

They dispute the claim that the vast majority of residents back the politicians' stance.

The letter has been put together by Demand Regeneration in North Kent (DRINK), which was set up last month to challenge this position.

Chairman Neville Gaunt said: "We have been inundated by business owners who are angry that the politicians are passing up what could be the best thing to happen to north Kent in years - something that could create jobs and bring hope to the unemployed and poorly paid as well as reduce the real poverty we have in parts of the area."

Another DRINK founder, former Medway mayor Dai Liyanage, said the group had been approached by a number of politicians who agreed there should be a debate, but "they dare not speak out publicly".

"This is a shameful state of affairs," he said.