Spelthorne Council's u-turn over its support for a third runway at Heathrow has been branded a "massive betrayal" of residents.

At last week's council meeting the withdrawal from the 2M alliance against Heathrow's expansion was formalised, a decision revealed exclusively by the Staines Guardian earlier this month.

The move to back Government plans for a third runway have been slammed by Liberal Democrat London Assembly candidate for south-west London Stephen Knight.

He said: "The Conservatives in Spelthorne said they were against Heathrow expansion at last year's borough elections and were elected on that basis.

"For them to perform a u-turn less than 12 months later and come out in favour of expansion is a massive betrayal of the electorate.

"The Government's plans to further expand Heathrow airport would be an environmental catastrophe.

"To propose such a massive expansion programme is deeply irresponsible.

"Here in south-west London over 500,000 people are exposed to noise levels over World Health Organisation standards and thousands suffer air pollution exceeding EU limits."

Council leader councillor John Packman said: "I think it would be a serious disservice to just say no' to Heathrow expansion.

"We need to consider noise, pollution, transport issues and the impact of mixed mode operation.

"This could adversely impact Stanwell Moor residents and we are completely opposed to it. We must not, however, consciously allow Heathrow to decline as we are all beneficiaries of its prosperity.

"It is vital to the continued health and prosperity of our community and if allowed to wither it will be a body blow for businesses and jobs."