Filton Airfield march against site's closure to take place

The "friendly march" was organised by Save Filton Airfield campaign group and Unite the union

Campaigners against the closure of Filton Airfield in South Gloucestershire have held a march against plans to build on the land.

BAE Systems is planning to shut the airfield at the end of this year, which will result in the loss of 19 jobs.

South Gloucestershire Council has backed the closure and recommended up to 2,500 homes be built on the site.

Council planners ruled two-thirds of the land should be allocated for housing and a third for businesses.

A final decision is expected to be made by a planning inspector in April.

"The Save Filton Airfield campaign group is proud to be involved with this march," said Paul Lee from the group.

"We don't want more houses and more traffic chaos at the expense of a valuable asset that could bring huge future opportunities to our region.

"Please show support for our region's aerospace industry and heritage. Show that we'd like a future for Filton, not just a past."

The "friendly march", organised by Save Filton Airfield campaign group and Unite the union, started on Golf Course Lane and progressed along the A38 towards the airfield itself.