Airport protest travels to London

Protestors fear the new routes will affect their quality of life

People opposed to new flight path routes from Nottingham East Midlands Airport are delivering a giant postcard to 10 Downing Street.

Villagers under the new flight paths are furious they have been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The airport authorities say the routes are safer and quieter and will affect fewer people.

But protesters want it to become a "designated" airport, giving ministers the power to limit night flights.

A cross-party group of nine MPs from the East Midlands have signed the postcard.

Harborough MP Edward Garnier said: "NEMA wants to be the freight hub of England.

"If they want to do that they should come in line with Heathrow, Stansted and Gatwick and allow themselves to be designated."

Steve Charlish, of Demand Campaign Group, said: "Leics County Council has worked out that 30% more of the population will be affected by the flights in Leics.

"And the flights go over Notts and Derby, so that means significantly more people will be affected."

Managers at the airport have already conducted a consultation programme, meeting villagers and explaining why they think the plans would be an improvement.

But many remain unconvinced, saying the night flights will lower property prices and affect their quality of life.