Yes to Lydd Airport expansion!

The move will pave the way for new jobs in the Rye area.

Councillors on Shepway Council voted to approve a new passenger terminal and runway extension despite council officers recommending it be refused.

Following a heated seven-hour debate which ended at 2am on Thursday, councillors voted by 27 votes to 12 to allow the construction of a 294m runway extension; a 150m starter apron and new terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

The decision follows two years of enquiries and reports which have seen claims and counter-claims being made.

The RSPB said the airport expansion would have an adverse affect on environmentally sensitive Romney Marsh. These claims were disputed by top environmental experts brought in by the airport.

Lydd Airport Managing Director Jonathan Gordon said the council's decision to support the 25 million investment plan was "a victory for the people of Romney Marhs and the Rye area who were keen to see regeneration.

See Friday's Rye Observer for more details