SOUTHAMPTON activists will be rallying together to protest airport expansion plans.

Campaigners with banners, flags and colourful masks will stage their demonstration at Bitterne Park School.

The event will be hosted by members of Extinction Rebellion, Friends of the Earth and Airport Expansion Opposition (AXO).

It will coincide with a drop-in session on Thursday for the public to learn about the airport’s plans at the school on Dimond Road in Bitterne.

From 6pm the campaigners will be singing songs to protest Southampton Airport ‘s proposal to extend its runway by 164 metres.

They will be running a “counter-information” session highlighting the negative impacts of the expansion including increased noise and air pollution. The activists are also urging residents to sign a petition calling on Southampton City Council to oppose expansion plans.

Gareth Narbed who helped organise the protest said: “Airport expansion plans will make air and noise pollution in the city worse. The plans are harmful to local people.”

An airport spokesperson said: “We regularly engage with members of this protest group and are aware of their intention to protest outside our drop-in sessions. We respect the right to peaceful protest. Our sessions are to provide detailed information about our forthcoming planning application and answer any questions or concerns people may have. We look forward to speaking with all members of the community about our plans for responsible, sustainable development.”

Further drop-in sessions will take place on: Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 12pm at Southampton Airport; Tuesday, October 29 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Shawford Village Hall, Winchester.