THE fight against plans to expand a Midlands airport have gathered steam in Wyre Forest with the forming of a second action group and a pledge by the district MP to meet worried residents.

The last seven days saw protesters take to the streets, residents in Bewdley unite for the first time and Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor call a public meeting - all in opposition to plans for Wolverhampton Airport at Halfpenny Green.anti-airport campaigners Barry McFarland and Chris Nicholls bring their message to the people of Kidderminster

Campaigners said urgent action is now needed by residents as a Government consultation on the plans - to extend the runway at the airport - draws to a close at the end of the month.

Pollution and noise would damage quality of life in the district, said two councillors who took to the streets of Kidderminster on Thursday to man a stall outside the town hall and collect signatures for a petition.

Cookley parish councillor Barry McFarland and Chris Nicholls, district councillor for the village, collected "several hundred" signatures in protest at the plans.

Mr McFarland said: "It was an excellent exercise. I had about 25 people call me the same day after we had left to ask how they could get involved."

Mr Nicholls met the following evening with Dr Taylor who until now has expressed his disapproval of expansion for commercial use - but not met with campaigners or residents on the issue.

He was joined by district councillor for Wolverley Nigel Addison.

Mr Addison said: "It was a very constructive meeting and I am pleased we have his support.

"We have set up a meeting for all people in Wyre Forest to attend which I believe to be the best way forward."

Dr Taylor will speak at the meeting at Baxter College on Wednesday, beginning at 7pm.

Meanwhile, in Bewdley, 40 people attended a meeting at Wribbenhall Community Centre chaired by town councillor Nigel Knowles.

About half signed up to form a Bewdley action group, said Mr Knowles, who unveiled the latest map - provided by the airport developers - of how Wyre Forest will be affected. He said: "There were a lot of new faces, it was great to see people made an effort to get involved."

l Members of Wolverley and Cookley Parish Council have unanimously voted to pressure the Government on the airport issue.

At a meeting on Tuesday councillors agreed a letter should be sent to Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor and Transport Secretary Alistair Darling making clear their objections to the plans.

Councillor Nigel Addison said: "We strongly object to the current proposals for development of the area as a commercial holiday airport."