Deep concern has today been voiced by South Thanet MP Laura Sandys who is backing the fight to save Manston Airport.

Following yesterday’s announcement of the 45-day consultation period which may result in the airport’s closure, Ms Sandys said:

“I am very concerned about the future of Manston. The news has come as a shock and my first thought was for the employees and their families, many of whom live in South Thanet.

“Sir Roger Gale has been a fierce local champion of Manston and we both want to see a positive future for the airport. He has already secured a commitment from the Minister to meet, and I will be strongly supporting his new working group which will explore options for keeping Manston open.

“Whatever the outcome, we are clear that the employees must be protected and the future of our area must be the highest concern. With the growth of the Discovery Park, new high-speed rail services and our increasingly prosperous towns, Thanet deserves the very best and we are committed to delivering that for Manston.”