This in todays local press
SUTTON Harbour Holdings this morning announced its plan to close Plymouth City Airport by the end of the year.
The airport operator made the announcement at 7am as the stock market opened in London.
The announcement read: "The Company today announces that it intends to cease the operation of Plymouth City Airport by the end of 2011.
"Plymouth City Airport has been loss making for a lengthy period of time and the Board has concluded there is no realistic prospect of trade improving in the near future.
Its in keeping with the citys plan get rid of the airport and keep the nuclear scrapyard that is the dockyard and build a nice big incinerator to take everybody elses crap down here. Good times ahead for the city NOT.
"Plymouth City Airport Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, holds a 150 year lease agreement with Plymouth City Council for the airport (143 years unexpired at a peppercorn rent). The Company will retain the lease following the closure of the airport.
"In line with its stated intention the Company is focused on waterfront regeneration and developing new opportunities closely related to its core marine and regeneration activities."
Well-placed sources believe the group, which off- loaded airline Air Southwest last year, is looking to sell its interest in the loss-making airport and quit the aviation industry altogether.
Sutton Harbour last night declined to comment on what it called "rumour and speculation".
Senior business figures told The Herald an 'early warning' announcement was due to be made this morning confirming Sutton Harbour's intention to close the airport within six months unless a deal over its lease can be struck.
The city-based regeneration firm sold Air Southwest last year after the airline posted losses of £3.94million in 2010.
New owner Eastern Airways quickly scrapped flights from Plymouth and Newquay to London Gatwick, prompting heightened fears over the airport's future.
Sutton Harbour operates Plymouth City Airport on a 150-year lease from Plymouth City Council.
At the time of the Air Southwest sale, it insisted it would hold onto the airport.
But in December last year bosses admitted they were reviewing their interest in the airport after a £9.18million loss in Sutton Harbour's interim results.
Plymouth City Council has been in recent talks with the city's Chamber of Commerce and other businesses leaders over a study into Plymouth's future transport needs.
Business sources said last night they were putting together a "contingency plan" to rescue the airport from closure.
One aviation industry insider said Eastern Airways appeared to already be planning its exit from Plymouth.
The airline said it was unaware of any impending announcement about the Roborough site, while the council declined to comment.