Last updated 12:41, Thursday, 10 April 2008

Eddie Stobart boss Andrew Tinkler has vowed to do everything he can to rescue
his plan to develop Carlisle Airport – but only if it can be done in a way that
is viable.

He was speaking on the eve of a crunch meeting today with Carlisle City Council
leader Mike Mitchelson.

Both men   hope that a team of legal experts employed by Mr Tinker and city council
planners can thrash out a way to make the project work.

Mr Tinkler has made it clear he will only continue to base his businesses in
the county if his aspiration to develop the airport as a new HQ is allowed to
happen in a viable way.

Planners have already given approval for the £35 million development, but the
scheme’s progress would have been hindered by a series of stringent planning conditions,
Mr Tinkler has said.

Today’s talks are an eleventh hour bid to reach a compromise on 10 problematic conditions which the Stobart boss says are a hurdle to the development.

Mr Tinkler said: "We have got advisors and lawyers talking to the council about
the outstanding conditions.

"We’re trying to find common ground, but it’s got to stack up in terms of business
and investment. But there is a determination on both sides to sort this thing
out."

Earlier this week, Mike Mitchelson said his talks with Mr Tinkler had been "very
positive". Mr Tinkler’s lawyer is said to be one of the most respected aviation
law experts in the country.

Opponents of the airport development are continuing to campaign against it.

If the work cannot go ahead by early next year, Mr Tinkler has an alternative
site at Widnes in Cheshire, which could be developed as a new business HQ.  If
that were to happen, as many as 500 Cumbria-based jobs within his businesses may
have to transfer to there.

Such a move would also cost Cumbria’s economy dearly. Last year alone, Eddie
Stobart and WA Developments spent around £55 million with local suppliers.

For the latest on the talks, keep checking this (News & Star) website