by Alan McGuinness

Medway's political parties have been snubbed by Transport Secretary Justine Greening, who said she does not have time “at present” to meet with them about an airport in the Thames Estuary.

Councillors from all parties in the Towns wrote to the minister in January asking for face to face talks on the idea, amid reports the government was set to consider plans for an airport in north Kent.

The Isle of Grain and Cliffe are two of the sites that have been proposed, as well as an airport on floating islands in the estuary.

Supporters argue it will create jobs and bring investment to the Towns, but opponents say the environmental damage will be catastrophic and there are too many obstacles in the way to make it viable.

In her response, Greening said she was unable to sit down and talk with councillors because of “huge pressures on my diary”.

She wrote: “However, as you may know, I met a number of Kent Members of Parliament last week who ably articulated to me some of the local concerns about future airport policy and planning which I know you share.”

A spokesman for Medway Council said: "While we are disappointed that the Secretary of State does not wish to meet with us at this time, our local MPs have held frank discussions with her and she has stated that she is prepared to meet them again in the future.

“Medway Council will continue to fight against these plans, which would have huge ramifications for the people of Medway, and will continue in our campaign against an airport on or near the estuary, which has twice been backed by all councillors in Medway."

Medway’s three MPs met Greening after writing a letter of their own to Prime Minister David Cameron.

Chatham MP Tracey Crouch described the talks on February 23 as “firm” and “frank”.

Greening added she had agreed to have another meeting with the MPs once a consultation into aviation capacity is announced this month.

A date for the announcement has not yet been set, but the KM Group has been told it could be Tuesday, March 13.

Greening stressed the government has yet to make a decision on the need for new airport capacity in the south east, and any decision would be made “on the basis of robust evidence and following consultation."

“A range of suggestions” for how to maintain the country’s hub status would be considered, she added.