THE Stop Bristol Airport Expansion Campaign has welcomed Conservative proposals to put UK airport growth on hold

A CAMPAIGN to stop the expansion of Bristol International Airport (BIA) has been given a boost by the conservatives.

The Stop Bristol Airport Expansion Campaign has welcomed Conservative proposals to put UK airport growth on hold because of the potential impact on climate change.

A report released by the Quality of Life Policy Group, says that existing airport capacity should be better used, with more business and long haul flights, and fewer short haul domestic flights.

Campaign spokeswoman, Hilary Burn, said: "Given the urgent need to cut UK carbon emissions, expanding airports doesn't make sense.

"This policy document also clearly shows that the rapid increase in short haul leisure flights does not benefit the local economy."

The group joined a rally on College Green, Bristol, on Saturday to highlight the impact the expansion of BIA could have on the environment.

The rally was held as part of Christian Aid's Cut the Carbon March, which involves 18 marchers who are walking from Belfast to London to raise awareness of the issue.