A ‘Team Thanet’ approach for Manston Airport was recommended by Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Gilbert as he visited Broadstairs yesterday.

Speaking at The Pavilion, the MP for St Austell and Newquay called for a cross-party partnership on the issue and to never give up.

Mr Gilbert said that a small regional airport had been created in Newquay because local authorities and MPs had pulled together and convinced the government of its importance.

He said: “The airport at Newquay could have gone wrong a dozen times, so based on our experiences in Cornwall, my advice to you would be to never give up.”

The MP claimed it had benefited the local economy to the tune of £30m and is now bidding to become the UK’s first port for commercial trips into space.

Thanet South Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate (PPC) Russ Timpson said he believed there are great aviation opportunities at Manston.

He pointed out that the airport could have a prosperous future with aircraft recycling and an aviation services apprenticeship scheme, as well as freight and passenger traffic.

There were also speeches from Thanet North Liberal Democrat PPC George Cunningham and Sue Girdler of TG Aviation, a company based at Manston until forced to re-locate to Lydd following the airport’s closure.