THE manager of a Newquay business group has hit back at MPs who have criticised plans to “privatise” Cornwall Airport Newquay.

Mark Warren from Newquay BID believes Newquay and St Austell MP Noah Law (Labour) and North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire (Liberal Democrat) need to let Cornwall Council move forward with its proposal.

He fears the airport could close unless the deal goes ahead but the MPs have condemned the unitary authority for the “flaws in the consultation, lack of transparency, and potential poor value for taxpayer money surrounding its plans.”

Cornwall Council has entered into an exclusivity period with potential partners Adynaton Asset Management LLP for the future operation and management of Cornwall Airport Newquay and the surrounding 650 acre estate.

The deal could see the terminal relocated to the south side at the Aerohub site, three hotels being built, a multi-storey car park and airport operations buildings, which would accommodate new fire control centres.

Mr Warren said: “Cornwall Council has consulted all the Cornwall BIDs as well as the Chamber of Commerce with the realisation that if private investment is not applied to Cornwall Airport Newquay to grow the commercial space and to sustain a working airport the airport will cease to exist. That would have devastating results to Newquay and to Cornwall as a whole.

“There is a huge opportunity to expanding the footprint of the commercial space surrounding the airport that will generate jobs and revenue on site and to Cornwall, as well as attracting new business to Cornwall.

“I understand that Cornwall Council will still be represented in the decision making but working together with the private investors.

“I struggle to understand that the MP’s unless offering an alternative need to let Cornwall Council continue to move forward on saving Cornwall Airport Newquay.”