Airport campaigners 'well-funded'

Campaign spokeswoman Hilary Burn said the group was confident

Campaigners against the expansion of Bristol International Airport say they are "well-funded" to cover legal costs in case plans go to an inquiry.

Airport owners want to double the size of the terminal, allow parking for 5,000 cars and have 17 flights an hour.

Hilary Burn, of campaign group Stop Bristol Airport Expansion, said flying polluted the environment and made life a misery for locals.

The airport said the success of airport reflected the South West's success.

Noise levels

Both could be locked in battle by the end of the year if the government decides to hold a planning inquiry into the airport's plans.

It will submit its expansion plans to North Somerset Council in the autumn.

Mr Kehoe said noise would be reduced

This year the airport will carry nearly six million passengers. This is set to rise to nine million by 2015.

In a recent report the airport said there would be little increase in pollution and noise levels.

Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Bristol International Airport, said: "Noise will be reduced because of modern planes. Some are less than two years old and some of the quietest in the industry so emissions will be better.

"The key weakness we've got, and we are addressing it now, is the road infrastructure and that is something we need to concentrate on before we submit our application."

Hilary Burn said it was important the campaign group was well-funded to fight the plans.

She said: "We have committed individuals who are donating and will continue to donate and we will fund-raise nearer the time."