THE row over plans for an airport at Cliffe has taken a fresh twist with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling accepting it would create severe risks to wildlife.

In a written statement to the House of Commons, he said: "Even with world class management in place, the hazard proposed by birds is severe and would probably be higher than at any other major UK airport."

The statement comes after the publication of a study into the risks of collisions between birds and aircraft at the possible airport site.

The government-commissioned study looked at the population and movements of birds at the site.

Mr Darling added: "Without a comprehensive and aggressive bird management programme in place an airport could not operate safely in this location."

The announcement also comes after warnings from campaigners of the risks to birds for months.

One of the leaders of the No Airport at Cliffe campaign, Joan Goddard, said: "We welcome the news because it is a very positive step in the right direction. We should now be officially removed from the consultation process because we have suffered blight and stress for no good reason."

Gravesham's Labour MP Chris Pond also welcomed the announcement. He said: "This report is the final nail in the coffin of the idea of an airport at Cliffe.

"I had already warned Alistair Darling that bird strike posed a major threat for aircraft at Cliffe. Now we have official and expert confirmation of that fact."