Political tensions over the future of Manston airport have surfaced after it emerged Thanet District Council discouraged town councillors from holding a meeting with the American company RiverOak.

The meeting, due to take place tonight (Thursday) was arranged by Ramsgate Town Council, which invited RiverOak to give its members a briefing on its plans for Manston.

RiverOak is the American company that is in talks about becoming the district council's indemnity partner in a possible compulsory purchase order (CPO) of the airport.

Thanet council is understood to be concerned tonight's meeting could give rise to a possible conflict of interests as several town councillors are also district councillors, including members of the Ukip-led cabinet.

It is understood town councillors have been alerted to the risk of being compromised in any future vote on a CPO or planning application.

In a sign of its unease, the Ukip leader of Thanet council Cllr Chris Wells issued a statement saying the meeting was “entirely separate” from its discussions with RiverOak.

He said: “Thanet council did not organise this meeting, council officers will not be in attendance and the rationale for this meeting remains unclear.”

RiverOak spokesman Tony Freudmann said there was no question of councillors being compromised.

“We have been invited by Ramsgate Town Council to talk to them about the airport.

"That is all we know. We said yes and are happy to talk. We have responded to other invitations and continue to do so.”

Cllr Beverly Martin (Ukip), who organised the meeting for the town council and is also a member of Thanet, said:

“The meeting tonight has been called by me so that town council members have the opportunity to appraise at first hand a presentation from two RiverOak senior executives and to seek clarity on their plans for Manston.

"This is being held on an information only basis, as Ramsgate Town Council has no jurisdiction over future or current decisions by Thanet council. I have convened it as part of a democratic process.”

Earlier this week, Thanet council leader Cllr Wells appeared to be more optimistic about the prospects of a CPO saying there had been real breakthroughs in discussions.

At the same time, he warned that campaigners were in danger of hindering the process and urged a "period of silent contemplation".