Thanet District Council leader Iris Johnston will meet transport minister John Hayes in London for discussions over Manston Airport.

The pair will meet on Thursday morning, hours before the cabinet is due to vote on whether to continue with plans for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the historic former airfield.

The transport minister had been due to visit Thanet this week for discussions over the future of the site.

Cllr Johnston said: “Mr Hayes wants to know what he can do to help and I don’t want to close the door on any possibility.”

Speaking to Thanet Extra last week Mr Hayes said: “I have talked with Roger Gale and believe he has done a great job representing the views of local people.

"But the government wants to engage with all people involved and look at all possibilities.

“We can’t anticipate the outcome at this stage but you have this guarantee – we will do our best. Complete commitment will be given and discussion will be looked at with an open mind.

"We need constructive and productive conversations.

“This issue crosses a number of departments including the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Communities and Local Government.”

Councillors are due to vote on the issue at a cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.