BOSSES have given the clearest hint yet that they don't want an airport at Cliffe. The CBI, which represents business leaders in Medway and Kent is backing expansion of Heathrow and Stansted instead.

It is also understood from CBI sources that the organisation wants the Government to look again at adding another runway at Gatwick.

Digby Jones, CBI Director General, said at the launch of the annual conference in Manchester: "It is better to expand the airports that we have got rather than go anywhere new."

Protestors against the proposed airport at Cliffe thought the CBI was likely to back the airport. Regional director Nigel Bourne was heckled at a recent meeting when he argued the case for jobs and regeneration that an airport would bring.

But in a report to the Government in the next few days, the CBI is expected to rule out the Cliffe option.

Sir John Egan, CBI President and former Chief Executive of the British Airports Authority, said the key to a successful airport was good communications with central London.

It appears therefore that the CBI does not consider existing transport links between Cliffe and London are good enough.