A CAMPAIGNER who fought against the second runway last week told airport bosses to set a date for settling compensation claims.

Jeff Gazzard, of Delmar Road, Knutsford, said a timetable needed to be agreed to dish out some of the millions set aside for compensation claims.

"The money is in the bank, what we're talking about is a timetable for an equitable assessment of what you are all owed," he said.

"The airport has to stop rebutting and refusing. You owe us £50million to £80million and your accountants have told you that is a reasonable guess."

Mr Gazzard also called on the airport to designate an office to deal solely with compensation claims.

At the meeting the airport's representatives did not commit to either suggestion, but promised to consider them.

Homeowners, who believe they are entitled to thousands because of the impact of the second runway, also had ideas about how to make the process easier.

Georgina Russell, a retired magistrate and teacher, said the airport could use a simpler way to decide how much residents should receive.

"All you have to do is look at the houses in Town Lane or Edenfield Road and give them a large sum," she said. "Don't worry if one house is decorated better than the one next door.

"The scheme you are using is a waste of space, most of the people here will be dead before you decide anything." About 50 people attended Friday's meeting. Several took notes as the airport's representatives spoke. One woman, who wants to sell her home in Hobcroft Lane, said she had been offended by an offer of compensation made to her two weeks ago.

"I can't believe what a pittance I was offered," she said.

"It has already been eaten up by legal fees and agent fees and it was an absolute disgrace.

"I have stood in this very hall and told an airport representative the problems I have and I was offered Venetian blinds for the noise."