GILLINGHAM MP Paul Clark has denied allegations that he supports building an airport at Cliffe.

Accusations came from Gillingham's Conservative Association. Mr Clark said: "If the Conservatives had attended any of the public meetings and listened to the local media, they would be well aware that I oppose the airport."

Tim Butcher, prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservatives, said Mr Clark's absence at Saturday's protest march finally proved his support for the project.

Mr Butcher added: "By not standing up for Gillingham against Cliffe airport, Paul Clark has demonstrated that he is arrogant and out of touch. He has now shown himself in his true colours and that he supports the building of Cliffe airport. I am appalled."

Mr Clark countered that he had been working tirelessly against the airport. He said he could not attend the march because of other appointments.

He said: "A letter of support was read out. I had other engagements, one of which was in Gillingham to, among other things, discuss the Cliffe airport issue."