Kent campaigners disagree with Commission findings

Campaigners in Kent say the new airport commission report shows 'a woeful lack of vision'.

'Why Not Manston?' is a campaign group working to encourage the use of Kent's Manston airport.

Chairman Nicholas Reed said: “The announcementby the Davies Commission that they support new runways at Heathrow and Gatwickshows a woeful lack of vision. Heathrow is already running at 98% capacity, andthe thought of yet more cars trying to reach it is horrifying.

But sitting on the fence over a new hub airport on the Isle of Grain is ridiculous. There is already a major airport at Manston in NE Kent, and it is scandalously underused.

"If use of Manston and Southend Airports was substantially increased, it would completely undermine the case for a new hub airport. Manston is easily reached from London, has excellent facilities, and is an hour’s flying time closer to the continent.

"What’s more, it is already there: no need to wait 15years for its completion.”