Jools Holland (second from right) with anti-airport campaigners (l to r) Joan Darwell, Gill Moore and George Crozer

by Alan McGuinness

Musician Jools Holland has given his backing to the campaign against a Thames Estuary airport.

The pianist lives at Cooling Castle on the Hoo Peninsula, which would be changed beyond recognition if an airport is ever built in the Towns.

He fought plans for an airport in the area 10 years ago - and has pledged to do the same this time round after meeting with campaigners.

He said: "If this magical area protected by law and international agreement, is not safe from threat of development, I fear no corner of England is safe."

A decade ago, the Labour government considered building an airport at Cliffe and the town is again being eyed up as a potential site.

Grain has also been suggested as a possible location for an airport by the architect Lord Foster.

The Wembley stadium designer's plan is for a four-runway hub that would handle more than 80 million passengers and operate 24 hours a day.

The government has set up a commission to decide what to do about the country's aviation capacity.

Led by the economist Sir Howard Davies, its interim report is due out this year, before a final report is released after the next election in 2015.

Paul Outhwaite, from wildlife charity RSPB, which is opposed to the idea, welcomed Mr Holland's support.

He said: "Jools fought alongside us 10 years ago during the successful No Airport at Cliffe campaign and the threats and risks remain the same.

"Environmentally, ecologically and economically a Thames estuary airport is a complete nonstarter as evidence to the Davies Commission will prove."