THE Local Government Association has joined Medway and Kent councils by distancing itself from the Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group.

The group - known as SASIG - said earlier this week that it favoured a new airport at Cliffe in preference to expansion at Heathrow, Gatwick or Stansted.

Now the LGA website is emphasising it was not responsible for issuing the statement. It reads: "The Strategic Aviation Special Interest Group (SASIG) issued a press release on November 18 indicating that it was in favour of a new airport in the South East.

"This has been interpreted by some of the press as suggesting that Cliffe was the preferred or only option and also that the LGA agreed with this position. The association wishes to make it clear that the LGA has not issued this release - it was issued by SASIG on behalf of the 74 SIG member authorities only."

In fact two - Medway and Kent - dramatically resigned from SASIG and 11 others have yet to make up their minds.

The association adds: "The other relevant LGA special interest group - the Airports SIG - will also be issuing its views this week, as will the Association of London Government. The formal LGA views will be released around December 12."

No explanation is given as to why the Local Government Association which represents counties, districts and unitary authorities is delaying its response until almost a fortnight after the consultation period ends.

The regional assembly is set to reject plans to build an international airport at Cliffe - saying it would have too big an impact on the environment. Its members are expected to plump for Stansted.