Local authorities have launched a campaign to oppose the building of a second runway at Stansted airport. The campaign, Councils Opposing a 2nd Runway (CO2), has called on the Government to totally re-think its aviation strategy. Those opposing the ex

Local authorities have launched a campaign to oppose the building of a second runway at Stansted airport.

The campaign, Councils Opposing a 2nd Runway (CO2), has called on the Government to "totally re-think" its aviation strategy.

Those opposing the expansion include Herts County Council and East Herts District Council.

Cllr Robert Gordon, leader of Herts County Council, said: "Hertfordshire residents are directly affected by the growth of air traffic at Stansted, Heathrow and Luton airports.

"In adding our weight to the opposition to a second runway at Stansted, we also seek to build a coalition of concerned councils to force a fundamental review of the Government's aviation strategy," he said.

The other councils involved in the campaign are Essex County Council, Suffolk County Council, Braintree District Council and Uttlesford District Council.

Lord Hanningfield, leader of Essex County Council, said a second runway at Stansted would put an "unbearable strain" on local services and infrastructure which is already at "breaking point".

He said the councils would campaign strongly to oppose an "unwanted and unnecessary" runway.

BAA, the airport owner, revealed plans last week for a £2.5 billion development at Stansted which would include a new runway and a second terminal.

It said that such a development would create 13,000 jobs by 2030.

BAA chairman Sir Nigel Rudd said: "We remain fully committed to building a second runway."

He continued that the project was central to the Government's policy in delivering additional runway capacity in the south of England.

Groups such as the Stop Stansted Expansion campaign has said it will fight "tooth and nail" against the expansion plans.