Airport locals given protest training

An anti-airport expansion group is training people in how to object to plans for a second runway at Stansted.

Members of Stop Stansted Expansion will visit Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire, urging people to write letters of objection and take part in rallies.

BAA, the airport's owner, submitted a planning application for a second runway last month. The deadline for objections is 26 June.

The case is expected to be "called in" by the Government. A public inquiry could start early next year.

Now Stop Stansted Expansion is planning to mobilise villagers in the area .

Group director Carol Barbone said often people did not realise they could object, or understand how to, until it was too late.

"We will explain what is proposed, how it will affect communities and how to lodge objections," Ms Barbone said.

"We will leave no doubt about the scale of opposition. If the plans are approved, villages and homes would be lost.

"BAA predicts 68 million passengers by 2030 but we have evidence that two runways could accommodate 85 million," she added.

A BAA spokesman said: "There will be ample opportunity for everyone to have their say at the public inquiry."