THE survey over plans for an airport at Cliffe organised by Conservative borough councillors included 5,600 names of people opposing the proposal and just 48 in support.

Sheppey councillor Christine Coles, who travelled to London to present the signatures to 10 Downing Street last week, said: "The Government ought to sit up and take notice.

"It is evident that the people of Kent don't think it is a good idea."

She added defiantly: "If we all keep at it the message will get through. It is one of the most unpopular ideas ever.

"If they go through with it they will go down as the Government that changed Kent, because people won't forget."