A BAN on flights at a Hampshire airbase which has left aviation firms facing closure is to be challenged at the 11th hour in the House of Commons.

The night before a flight ban comes into effect at HMS Daedalus, a Hampshire MP will call on ministers for a postponement.

Gosport MP Peter Viggers, pictured above, wants time to find a way to work around the health and safety ruling by Hampshire police, which runs the airfield at Lee-on-the-Solent.

It is home to flying groups, individual pilots and aviation businesses who were given just 30 days to find another home or cease trading.

Mr Viggers, a former pilot, has been allowed to hold an adjournment debate on the issue on Thursday.

He said: "I am shocked that flying should be under threat at Daedalus, particularly because there is strong local support for Daedalus to be redeveloped as a business park with an aviation and maritime engineering theme.

"I will tell ministers in advance that a simple restatement of the closure decision will not be acceptable. What we need is a delay in the decision while we work out sensible arrangements for the continuation of flying at Daedalus. This will give us the time to work out longer term plans."

The leader of Fareham Borough Council, Sean Woodward, has already written to the police demanding an explanation.

Police chiefs said they took the decision on the grounds of health and safety following the removal of air traffic control cover by the Ministry of Defence.

There have been restrictions on flights since May because of safety fears about powered planes and gliders sharing the airspace.

The Lee Flying Association, which represents general aviation at the airfield, has appointed a solicitor to take legal action.

Coastguard helicopters and police spotter planes will continue to use the site, which is also home to the Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club.