More than 1,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday against the Government's decision to give the go-ahead to a fifth terminal at Heathrow Airport.

The rally was organised by Pressure group HACAN Clearskies who have fought a prolonged battle against the proposals and claim the terminal will cause further misery to residents living under the Heathrow flightpath.

Supported by several politicians, the contingent delivered a letter of protest to the Prime Minister at 10, Downing Street.

Aircraft noise, similar to that suffered by residents in Battersea, Putney and Wandsworth, was also blasted from loud speakers along the route through Whitehall.

Members of HACAN say they will continue to fight the decision and council officials may still launch an appeal.

Council leader Councillor Edward Lister condemned Mr Byers this week for not discussing the inquiry's warning that the terminal increases the risk of a major air crash involving many casualties on the ground.

He said: "Every time he quotes the third Paris airport as a justification for expanding Heathrow, he fails to mention that this is being built 80 miles north of the city.

"No aircraft are allowed to fly over Paris."

November 30, 2001 11:30