MEDWAY MP Bob Marshall-Andrews has added his weight to the opposition to the proposed international airport at Cliffe, near Strood. He said disturbance and destruction to the environment would outweigh any economic benefits.

The MP explained: "I am against it both as a Member of Parliament and Rochester resident. I have made this known directly to the Minister of State. Whatever the economic benefits it may bring, the disturbance and destruction that would occur to this unique and beautiful area is unacceptable."

He said he had recently attended the opening of an RSPB sanctuary in the area and it would continue to receive his full and active support.

But he also hit out at "misleading" letters written from local Conservatives saying that he appeared to support the idea of an airport in Grain. The letters were from Medway 2001 General Election candidate Mark Reckless and David Coomber, chairman of Frindsbury Extra Parish Council.

He explained: "The only area on the Hoo Peninsula which is suitable for any large industrial development is the former British Gas site at Grain. This is, I am informed, far too small to accommodate an international airport and is not even under consideration."

Plans for a Cliffe airport were leaked as part of a number of proposals likely to be contained in a consultation document to be published by the Government in May.

The plans, understood to be under consideration by the Government to boost Britain's airport capacity, could lead to a new motorway and additional housing.

The proposals have already provoked a wave of opposition from local people and councillors. They fear it would wreck the countryside and cause noise. Those fighting the plans include the Dickens Country Protection Society and the A228 Action Group.