CAMPAIGNERS have formally begun legal proceedings against Newham Council over its decision to allow an extra 50,000 flights a year from London City Airport.

Some fear that the increase, which potentially takes the airport's annual flight total to 120,000, could mean an increase in noise and pollution for residents under flightpaths in parts of Redbridge and Waltham Forest.

Activists from the Fight the Flights group, Heathrow campaign HACAN and Friends of the Earth hope to overturn the council's decision on the basis that it did not properly consult all those potentially affected.

They also argue the approval failed to consider the Government's change in climate policy.

Fight The Flights' Anne-Marie Griffin said: "Increasing flights at London City Airport is completely wrong. It will bump up carbon emissions and add to the misery of local people who are already suffering from poor air quality and noise disturbance.

"We appeal to members of the public who care about the environment and about our community to help us fight this decision by donating to help fund our legal challenge."

Newham Council says the consultation was carried out correctly, while London City Airport argues any increase will boost the economy of communities in East London and help to provide jobs.

Local politicians and representatives from the Conservatives, the Green Party, Labour and the Lib Dems have all expressed concerns at the number of flights travelling over East London.

On Friday, at a public meeting in Leyton, calls were made for a cross-party alliance to tackle the issue.