CHESHIRE County Council this week promised to scrutinise the future expansion of Manchester Airport.

Executive Andrew Needham said he was aware of residents' fears over plans for a third runway.

In a statement faxed to the Knutsford Guardian he pledged to give the environment top priority in the council's talks about the plans.

"Unlike the south-east, there is presently no shortage of capacity at Liverpool or Manchester," he said.

"New runways and terminals are clearly a long way off. Nevertheless growth of this scale will have a major impact on Cheshire and its people." Labour announced a consultation period last month over the possible future expansion at Britain's airports.

Opposition

The Government report forecast a need for a third runway, fourth terminal and several rail links at Manchester to cope with soaring demand for jet travel. Cheshire County Council would be the planning authority to decide whether a third runway should be built.

"I will be urging that we have the fullest debate and that environmental concerns should be uppermost," said Cty Clr Needham.

"There is no present shortage of airport capacity in the North and there are many opportunities for other airports to grow and develop to meet their local needs."

In 1997 the county council paved the way for the £172million second runway, which blighted the lives of many Knutsford and Mobberley residents.

After a lengthy public inquiry and a mass of public opposition, permission was granted together with an agreement to protect the environment.

Clr Needham said this week that residents should respond to the Government's consultation by November 30.

"Many Cheshire residents work at Manchester Airport and use it for business or leisure travel, but many others have to suffer the noise and other environmental impacts," he said.

amoores@guardiangrp.co.uk