A NEW strategy to keep the Cliffe marshes safe from development, including an international airport, has been discussed at a major conference.

Environmentalists and representatives from councils throughout north Kent met at Rochester to look into the development of a regional park stretching from Dartford to Sheppey.

The meeting was arranged by the No Airport@Cliffe Action Group and many believe it could be another obstacle to the development of an airport in the area.

Chairman Joan Goddard said: "It could act as a mechanism to get in the way of an airport, by giving increased protection to the area although it couldnÕt completely stop an airport. But the purpose is also to give people a positive thing on a so far negative situation.

This is also to promote the area from a historical and tourism viewpoint and give people a better quality of life."

Medway Mayor Cllr Ted Baker, said: "We are determined to stop the concreting of Kent." But Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews was convinced that plans for the airport would be defeated and the regional park could be used to secure the countryside from other developments.

He said: "The Cliffe marshes are already well protected. They have three SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) areas. But I believe we could create the park in the momentum of the defeat of the airport and protect it from future developments."

The conference had representatives from Medway Council, Dartford, Gravesham and Swale councils and the parish councils within their areas.

Also there were the several MPs, including Gillingham's Paul Clark and some from South Essex. Representatives were also there from environmental groups such as the RSPB and the Dickens Country Protection Society.

The delegates represent a total of 1.5 million people and were asked to sign a petition demanding the creation of the regional park.

A next major step in the No Airport@Cliffe Action Group is a march in Central London on Saturday, April 5, with a Rally in Trafalgar Square. Those who want to join and want more information should contact the group on 01634 2711156 or 01634 271283.