DARLINGTON'S Green Party is calling on the council leader to change his decision to support the Tees Valley Mayor's plan to buy the airport.

Matthew Snedker, coordinator of Darlington Green Party, has written to Stephen Harker in a last ditch effort to stop the ambitious plan from taking off.

The campaigner has raised concerns that the scheme would add to the increasing problem of climate change and urged the council leader to rethink his plan to support the £40m project.

He said: "Energy generation has cut its pollution levels, as renewables such as wind and solar, have proven viable alternatives while energy efficiency has cut waste.

"However, it is now transport that is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, with aviation pollution doubling since 1990.

"Aviation already receives sizeable subsidy from the UK exchequer and the industry pays no duty or VAT on aviation fuel. Yet residents of the Tees Valley are being asked to spend more money on this loss-making airport.

"Once purchased, the Authority would be committed to spending more money to keep it open. Most people in the UK take no flights from one year to the next, while 75 per cent of all flights are taken by just 15 per cent of the population."