PROTESTERS will converge on Southampton International Airport on Saturday for the launch of a campaign to block huge expansion plans.

Environmental campaigners have joined forces to create AXE Against Expansion at Eastleigh, as reported in the Daily Echo.

Last year airport owners BAA unveiled a master plan, paving the way for one of the fastest-growing airports in the country to spread its wings.

The proposals could result in as many as six million passengers using the airport by 2030.

Now AXE is rallying support for Saturday's campaign launch.

A spokesman said: "The important thing is for as many people to be there as possible. BAA Southampton is proposing a massive expansion of Southampton Airport which would increase the already chronic noise pollution experienced by residents of Bitterne Park, as well as increase air pollution and global warming.

"In response, residents and environmental campaigners have joined forces to create AXE specifically to resist any expansion of the airport or any increase in flights."

An airport spokesman said: "We are highly committed to managing our environmental impacts and to developing our business in a responsible and sustainable way.

"The airport plays a key role in the region, generating 1,200 jobs and contributing more than £86m to the regional economy.

"However, we recognise that these economic benefits need to be balanced with a proactive environmental stance.

"We have strict measures in place in relation to noise. We also promote our excellent public transport infrastructure to take cars off the roads, and we have robust strategies for managing air quality, CO2 reduction, waste, biodiversity and water quality.

"The airport is also a key part of the infrastructure for the south, and many millions of car miles per year have been taken off the M3 and M25, as a result of people using Southampton Airport rather than travelling to Heathrow or Gatwick."