People power stops air plan

They've dedicated their lives to stopping the expansion of Wolverhampton airport and today campaigners said they were "thrilled to bits" the plans were finally being dropped.

Billy Quinn, commercial director for Mar Properties, which bought the Bobbington airport earlier this year, revealed that he has dropped plans to fly commercial 747 flights.

And Airport manager Gary Hall added: "Our plans for the future will be geared towards small aircraft. We had our ideas and thoughts in the past but now this is what we believe is the right thing for Wolverhampton."

Margaret Rogers, who set up the Wolverhampton Airport Action Group three years ago, said the decision was a major victory for the thousands who backed the crusade.

She said: "This is marvellous news. We have spent three-and-a-half-years working towards this and it has all been worth it. I'm sure everyone will be delighted."

Margaret, a parish councillor from Kinver, started the group when the airport first unveiled its masterplan in 2003. Members joined from surrounding villages, including Cookley, Bobbington, Claverley, Enville, Kingswinford, Wombourne and Wollaston, and soon messages of support were coming in from across the country.

She said: "I still have the letters. They were from people who lived in villages just like ours that sympathised with our cause."

When the airport submitted plans to South Staffordshire Council, more than 25,000 letters of objection were sent in protest. Roads in the area still have the No Fly Zone signs standing defiantly against the expansion.

Mrs Rogers added: "The response was marvellous, and I'm sure all those people would give a cheer today. If they're like me they will be thrilled to bits.

"It's such a beautiful area and big aeroplanes would have ruined everything.

"We know they've got to do something with the airport but I'm glad they are being realistic.

"During the three-and-a-half-years, help has come from people delivering leaflets, putting up signs, fundraisers and many many footsoldiers to make this a tremendous campaign. Hundreds of hours has gone into this campaign." WAAG chairman Roger Williams was slightly more cautious about the news. He said: "Clearly as far as WAAG is concerned it is encouraging news but, at end of the day, it is the local planning process which will determine what the future will be.

"I am taking it at face value at the moment.

"But it is good news for WAAG and its supporters and we are pleased that our campaign seems to have had some effect."

South Staffordshire MP Sir Patrick Cormack, who led opposition to the expansion plans, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the new owners are going to abandon a scheme which could have destroyed one of the most beautiful parts of the Midlands.

"In all my 26 years in Parliament, I have never had an issue that so united people. I received 15,000 letters about the airport - 13,500 of them opposed to the expansion."