IT could be the New Year before aviation enthusiasts know if they still have a future at a Hampshire airfield.

The row over police plans to ban flights at the Daedalus airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent could land in the High Court.

The Lee Flying Association has taken the first steps for a judicial review.

The development came as the Hampshire Police Authority was set to debate the controversy which has caused a storm of protest.

The association, which has been spearheading the campaign, had been given a stay of execution for one month after it was announced that the gates will now close to general aviation on December 14.

Police spotter planes and coastguard helicopters will continue to use the airfield.

With moves being made for a judicial review the controversy could rumble into the New Year.

Debate postponed Yesterday the police authority decided to postpone any debate to avoid prejudicing any legal proceedings.

Speaking earlier at the authority meeting Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan spoke of how safety at the airfield was a number one priority. He said that Daedalus had no airspace of its own, no air traffic service of any kind, no radio frequency and no fire cover for general aviation.

He said: "My priorities are to maintain a viable and economic police aviation facility and to manage Daedalus on behalf of the Marine Coastguard Agency in such a way as to maximise its safe operation."

Last night The Lee Flying Association (LFA) issued a statement which said: "Despite repeated formal requests over many months no documented safety information for the basis of the restrictions and subsequent ban has been supplied for review by an appropriate airfield regulator or aviation safety organisation as would be the norm.

The LFA spokesman added: "The recent announcement by the chief constable of the 28 day delay in effecting the ban is helpful."