The economy and environmental issues surrounding the expansion of Heathrow airport forced emotions to run high at a packed meeting in Staines.

Battle lines were drawn as economists believe expansion is vital to jobs and the long-term prosperity of the region while environmentalists said not only was this unproven, but the impact on health from noise and air pollution was too high a price to pay.

Staines Methodist Church in Thames Street, hosted the meeting attended by more than 200 people.

Worried residents and concerned councillors listened to John Stewart, chairman of HACAN Clearskies, Staines Town Society member Anne Damerell and outgoing Spelthorne Council adviser on Heathrow, Alan Dyer.

Mr Stewart said: "The argument is not that if Heathrow doesn't expand business will go. Our research is not backing that up. Businesses are pouring into west London at record numbers. The UK has relatively low taxation and English is the international language of business.

"The key factor is not what Heathrow has done in the past, but whether its expansion is important to the future.

"Businesses are not looking for a bigger Heathrow they are looking for a better Heathrow.

"It's unjustifiable to expand if the economic argument is on shaky ground."

This was a sentiment backed up by business leaders in the crowd.

Members from the No Third Runway group, whose homes face destruction should the runway be built, were present and angry that one-fifth of medieval Middlesex's remaining towns would be destroyed should expansion go ahead.

They gave the ominous warning that once they were gone, they would be unable to join in future Spelthorne fights.

Councillor for Staines South Colin Davis was jeered by many during a fiery address.

He said: "Having heard the minority view you may care to hear from those who actually run the place.

"There is no doubt that at a matter like this it is always those putting the views of HACAN who shout with the loudest voice.

"The residents of Spelthorne support the airport. You are unrepresentative."

Union leader Charlie Keen was speaking on behalf of Heathrow workers.

He said: "We are stuck with Heathrow and we support the expansion. Heathrow supports jobs across the range.

"If the airport doesn't expand the jobs will just go somewhere else."

HACAN will hold a public meeting at Central Hall, Westminster, on Monday, February 25. All are welcome to attend.