A CONTROVERSIAL plan which could see Sunderland added into Newcastle Airport's name has taken another turn as the council has reportedly supported the idea.

Earlier this month, the Wearside Liberal Democrats launched their ambitious plan to rename Newcastle Airport 'Newcastle Sunderland Airport.'

Lib Dem councillors in Sunderland argued that the move would put Sunderland "on the map," while highlighting the council owned a share.

At the time, it was met with criticism with some mocking the suggestion, saying such a drastic approach was not needed.

But on Thursday, councillors from all political parties had reportedly agreed to asking airport bosses to consider a 'suitable' new name for the airport.

In a statement, they said a meeting of all 75 councillors on Wednesday had found the council was in agreement over the proposal.

Speaking after the council meeting, Lib Dem cllr for Grindon and Thorney Close Paul Edgeworth said it was now up to Sunderland Council to "fight tooth and nail" over it.

The Northern Echo:

Leeds Bradford International Airport has been used an example Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Cllr Edgeworth, who previously claimed Sunderland was being overlooked in favour of Newcastle, said the plan could resemble the model at other airport's such as Leeds Bradford.

He said: “Councillors from all political parties in Sunderland have recognised that our regional airport needs to consider changing its name to better reflect the places it serves and to show that there’s more to the North East than just Newcastle.

“Liberal Democrats are clear that this new name should be ‘Newcastle Sunderland International Airport’ to reflect the two great cities it serves – just like Leeds Bradford and Doncaster Sheffield airports.

“Sunderland Council owns the airport just as much as Newcastle, so it’s absolutely right that we are reflected in its name."

“It is now up to the Leader of the Council to fight tooth and nail to renegotiate with other airport directors to get them to agree to Sunderland being included the airport’s name.

"For once this Council’s leadership must do what it best for Sunderland and not just roll over and be told what to do by Labour bosses on Tyneside.”

The Northern Echo has contacted Sunderland City Council and Newcastle Airport for comment.

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054