CAMPAIGNERS have vowed to fight the Stansted Airport expansion and the threat of a second runway with 'every argument in the book'.

More than 600 people filled Stansted Mountfitchet High School's hall last Thursday to hear the Stop Stansted Expansion group (SSE) promise a tougher image.

Chairman Norman Mead said: "The white paper leaves many questions unanswered and contains many ambiguities. BAA knows very well it faces enormous difficulties in trying to force through a second runway. If the local community fiercely opposes the plans, remains united and challenges the proposals at every turn, we're capable of ensuring a second runway never sees the light of day."

Mr Mead said the document ignored other options and offered soft and meaningless words about protecting the environment and local communities. The group vowed to mount several legal challenges in the European and British courts, indicating it might need only one outright victory to stop the development.

SSE said it would continue to campaign vigorously in Westminster and Whitehall and would press the Government to address the wider environmental and economic issues surrounding airport expansion. SSE would also challenge BAA through its major shareholders and in the banking community.

"This will be a considerable challenge for BAA and we will aim to tie it in knots," Mr Mead said. "This community is made of sterner stuff and we will fight relentlessly and passionately. We will fight with all the professional expertise we've developed over the last 18 months and will muster more professional expertise as the battle progresses."

SSE said that while other forms of direct action might attract media attention, the most effective form of campaigning was well-informed argument.

Mr Mead, who received two standing ovations, said: "Whether in the courtroom or otherwise, make no mistake, we will ultimately win this battle. And when that day comes it will be a victory for the entire community, a victory for our heritage and a victory we can all be proud of.

"The gloves are off and we don't contemplate the possibility of defeat."