MORE THAN 200 demonstrators marched against the closure of Filton Airfield on Saturday.

The Save Filton Airfield and Unite union protestors braved the elements and despite torrential rain walked down the A38 to show their opposition to owner BAE System’s decision to turn the site into a housing development.

Speaking at the protest, Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke said: "We want to see the site growing and thriving and our main concern is the closure of the airfield could mean a rundown at Filton.

"The wider economy of Bristol and the South West is heavily dependent on these highly-skilled jobs with many thousands more working in the supply chain.

"The local community is totally opposed to this proposed closure and many residents are also concerned that the movement of aircraft parts by road would dramatically add to what are already long traffic queues in the area. Therefore, we are calling on our members at Filton and the local community to support the protest and ensure their message is heard loud and clear - ‘Leave Filton Airfield alone’."

A total of 2,500 homes are now set to built on and around the airfield as part of South Gloucestershire Council’s planning blueprint, or core strategy.