Cash boost for Manston Airport compulsory purchase

The current owners of the site want to use if for commercial and residential purposes

A company that hopes to re-open Manston Airport has offered £2m to help win a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

The airport closed in May 2014 and was sold to a private consortium that plans to build homes on the site.

However, Thanet District Council has said it may apply for a CPO.

The Supporters of Manston Airport pressure group has said a US firm, RiverOak, has offered the cash to help the council cover legal costs should it decide to pursue the purchase.

In a statement the group said: "We can now confirm that RiverOak have deposited $2m into their solicitors client's account.

"This will be topped up to £2m and moved into an escrow account as soon as the indemnity agreement is signed."

The current owners have previously said they will fight any CPO attempt.