CAMPAIGN groups have backed the announcement that councils are launching their legal challenge to Heathrow's Third Runway.

It was announced today that the 2M group of councils, led by Hillingdon, are taking the unprecedented step of taking legal action in an effort to stop the proposed Third Runway and Sixth Terminal from being built.

If the runway is built, the village of Sipson, and much of nearby Harmondsworth would be demolished.

Geraldine Nicholson, the Chair of NoTRAG, said, "This legal challenge shows that we are prepared to use every avenue open to us to save our communities from destruction. We are fighting the Government in the courts and fighting to win."

John Stewart, the Chair of HACAN, said, "The final decision on a third runway was cobbled together at the last minute to keep a divided Cabinet happy. It is little wonder it appears so open to a legal challenge."

In its decision in January, the Government attempted to overcome issues saying that it would limit the number of flights on the new runway if it appeared that the noise, air pollution or emissions targets would be breached.

The claimants are arguing that if the Government did limit the flights in this way, it would mean that BAA may not be able to make money on its huge investment in the third runway. Therefore, the claimants are arguing that this is an unrealistic and flawed decision.

Kate Harrison, a solicitor at Harrison Grant, acting for the claimants said: "By bringing this Judicial Review, the courts will be able to give their judgement on whether there should be a full consultation and whether the decision is compatible with the government’s other legal obligations and policy statements."