Bradford Council will press John Prescott to step in over controversial proposals for a new airport in South Yorkshire.

The Council agreed to ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Region's for a public inquiry into the plan at Finningley, near Doncaster.

The move comes amid fears of the effect of any development in South Yorkshire on Leeds Bradford Airport - and particularly its charter flights.

Liverpool-based Peel Holdings has submitted a planning application to Doncaster Council to turn the RAF base into a commercial airport in the face of fierce opposition from local people. Now Bradford Council has joined in, claiming there is no room for another airport in the region.

Council leader Councillor Ian Greenwood said Leeds Bradford was the strongest airport but Sheffield and Humberside would be worst hit.

"I am profoundly concerned that this is happening in spite of spare capacity at the airports. Leeds Bradford is the major airport and should be concentrated on."

He also called on Yorkshire Forward to take a stance and said it was sad the measure was being taken without regard for the region.

Councillor Richard Wightman (Con, Rombalds) said they supported the bid for a public inquiry.

"We represent the direct financial interests of Bradford people with their 40 per cent holdings in the airport. It is well worth defending. We urge Yorkshire Forward to support that view."

Chairman of the airport committee Councillor Tony Cairns (Lab, Tong) said after the meeting that Peel Holdings had asserted that a public inquiry was unnecessary because it was already an RAF base.

He said there were concerns about initial subsidised flights when the airport was opened which could affect charter trade at Leeds Bradford. "We haven't all got deep pockets. The local councils have invested everything back into the airport."

lPupils from Hanson Upper School, who presented a 24-name petition to the Council asking for after-school activities, were praised by members for their initiative.

Lindsay Crewe, 14, and Melissa Wilson, 13, told the Council youngsters were in trouble with the police for hanging about the streets and appearing to cause trouble. The Council referred the petition to Bradford North Area Panel for consideration.

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