A HAMPSHIRE MP is urging councillors to "do the right thing" and approve the Southampton Airport runway extension.

Eastleigh MP, Paul Holmes has called on local councillors to approve Southampton Airport’s runway extension ahead of a final meeting to decide the future of the airport.

After the Council’s planning committee voted to reject the application for a runway extension last week, a Full Council meeting with all Councillors will take place today to make a final decision.

Mr Holmes said: "I hope Eastleigh Council will approve the runway extension at Southampton Airport tomorrow. The future of our Airport and thousands of jobs are at risk if the wrong decision is made.

“The plans are supported by the public and the Council’s planning experts.

“I'll be speaking at the meeting and calling on Councillors to make the right decision. I urge all Councillors to vote in favour of the runway extension at Southampton Airport.”

Following the decision by the planning committee, Holmes started a petition to Save Southampton Airport. The petition has so far attracted over 3,300 signatures in just over a week.

He added: "60 per cent of people are in favour of the runway extension based on the public consultation carried.

“Over 3,000 people have signed my petition urging Councillors to support the runway extension and these plans are also supported by the Council’s own planning officers and technical experts.

“In my view, the case for approval is overwhelming”.