CAMPAIGNERS against Cliffe airport today won a powerful new ally, the business chiefs' group the CBI.

The Confederation of British Industry was telling the Government today that the £9 billion project is too expensive and believes the South East would be better off with extra runways at the existing airports at Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick.

Medway MP Bob Marshall-Andrews said: "It is very important that we now have support from such an influential group, but also one coming from a different direction. This is a group representing business interests and the fact that they can come as an ally and amalgamate with groups representing environmental interests gives us a very broad front."

Ann Parker, founder member of the No Airport @ Cliffe Action Group, said: "We are very pleased that the CBI has taken this stance. Originally the CBI were in favour of an airport here but I am glad they have changed their minds.

"It is difficult to know exactly what changed them. Perhaps it is because Gatwick is now back on the agenda. Maybe they realise that with all the economic and environmental issues getting an airport here would be a hard fight."

Perry Haines, anti-airport co-ordinator for the RSPB, said: "We are delighted that yet another organisation has joined the view that there should be no airport at Cliffe."