Pressure groups opposed to the expansion of Southend Airport could hit major problems if they put up candidates for the council elections in May, it has been revealed.

If their members stood on an anti-airport platform and were elected they could find themselves barred from making a decision on the controversial scheme.

Advice has been sent out to current Southend councillors from deputy town clerk John Williams, who is also the officer responsible for monitoring the conduct of members, about what they can and cannot say on the scheme under rules introduced in recent years by the Government.

Town clerk George Krawiec warned: "If the application is not determined by the May local elections, the same rules would also apply to all candidates for election."

It is expected that because of the magnitude of the scheme, which could involve the demolition of historic grade one listed 11th century St Laurence Church at Eastwood, it will be decided by the full council rather than the development control committee.

Mr Williams said: "I have been asked to remind all members who wish to be involved in the determination of the application that they need to be careful about making public statements, whether in support of approval or refusal."

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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