PROTESTERS angry about a decision to allow a 'massive' increase in flights over Redbridge will stage a demonstration outside Ilford Town Hall tomorrow night (Thursday).

The protest will coincide with a full meeting of the council there that evening, during which a decision to allow the expansion of traffic at nearby London City Airport will be discussed.

Campaigners have slammed the authority for failing to carry out a public consultation on the issue - as happened in neighbouring Newham - which would see an increase of 50,000 flights from the airport, taking its annual total over east London up to 120,000.

Alan Cornish, of Tennyson Avenue, Wanstead, said the authority had let residents down over the plan - which was granted by Newham Council.

He said: "This expansion will impact on the lives of people right across east London, so why are we not being consulted on it?

"Our information is that the London Borough of Newham sent out advice to surrounding council's about the consultation, but Waltham Forest and Redbridge have shoved it under the carpet.

"This is a massive expansion in flights and it is vital our opinion is taken into account."

A Lib Dem motion calling on the council to carry out "an immediate investigation into what Redbridge Council knew about the London City expansion and flight path changes, and what action was taken on the council's behalf" will be tabled at the meeting.

The motion will also call on councillors to "recognise residents' concerns."

Valerie Sayers, of Manor House Garden, Wanstead, said Redbridge Council had not stood up for the interests of residents.

She said: "We not only live in the most polluted air quality area in Britain but we’re now similarly affected from above.

"We live under 13 flight paths. What is Redbridge doing to represent our interests? Waltham Forest is fighting for their residents, Newham is fighting for their residents, what is Redbridge doing for us?

"Redbridge Council should be a terrier nipping at the heels of City Airport, not behaving like a meerkat heading for the nearest hole."

Both London City Airport and Newham Council have argued the increase in flights will prove beneficial to the economies of East London communities.

The plan is now due to go to a judicial review at the High Court.

Protesters will be meeting outside the Kenneth More Theatre at 6.30pm.