No Way BAA - that was the message from defiant anti-runway campaigners fighting the expansion of Stansted airport.

At a packed meeting organised by the Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) group last night, protesters outlined their plans for fighting proposals to build a new landing strip.

Held at Stansted Mountfitchet High School, an overflow room had to be opened up to make way for the hundreds of people who attended to learn the local implications of the White Paper and the scope for challenging the expansion of Stansted airport.

Local MP Sir Alan Haselhurst, who chaired the meeting, said it was not a time for "anger" but a time to look forward.

Taking the podium to a standing ovation, SSE chairman Norman Mead said the fight was not over.

Claiming the gloves were now off, Mr Mead urged BAA to put its planning application in and promised SSE would fight it "clause by clause, line by line."

Addressing the airports operator, he said: "Put your cards on the table and let battle commence."

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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