CAMPAIGNERS have reacted angrily to Labour leadership frontrunner David Miliband's call to resurrect the third runway at Heathrow.

When the coalition Government came into power in May, one of their first actions was to abolish the much maligned runway.

Villagers in Sipson and Harmondsworth had lived in blight for over eight years, as the runway would have meant the destruction of around 700 homes, and a school.

The Labour party, who are calling themselves 'the progressive party', are currently locked in a battle for leadership, with a decision to be announced at the annual conference on the last weekend of September.

David Miliband, the bookies favourite, this week reaffirmed his commitment to building the third runway.

Miliband has argued that a third runway is required for the health of the economy as long as the climate change implications of building it can be sorted out. His brother and leadership rival Ed Miliband is opposed to the idea.

Campaigners who two weeks ago celebrated with a party at Sipson Recreation Ground, marking what was seemingly the end of the saga, have hit back at the politician.

Geraldine Nicholson, chair of NoTRAG (No Third Runway Action Group), said: "Miliband talks about change within the Labour Party and yet he is happy to resurrect the same old policies.

"Our economic, environmental and social arguments will stand the test of time and we will be ready to fight back should the proposals ever be put forward again."

John Stewart, chair of campaign group HACAN was equally dismissive of Miliband’s arguments.

"It has long been accepted now that a third runway is not essential for the health of London’s economy. Miliband is simply trotting out outdated arguments."