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Consultation over closure of Manston airport

A consultation is being held over the future of Manston airport in Kent, the BBC has reported.


The 144 staff at the airport were given details of the 45-day consultation today (Wednesday).


The Unite union called for clarification over the potential closure.


Unite regional officer Ian McCoulough said: “The news has just broken and I am seeking clarification from the management about the airport’s future. Until I have had that conversation, it would not be appropriate to comment at length.
 
“Unite is the major union at the airport and represents employees, such as the fire service and the baggage handlers. Unite will do everything possible to safeguard the interests of our members in the days and weeks ahead.
 
“Any loss of employment would be a hard blow for the local economy.”


The airport was bought by Ann Gloag, who co-founded the Stagecoach Group, for £1 in October last year.


The origins of the airport stretch back to the First World War and during the Second World War, Manston was heavily bombed during the Battle of Britain.

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