An airport watchdog has called on Transport Secretary Stephen Byers to set up an inquiry into leaks about the future of Gatwick.

Gatwick Area Conservation Council wrote to Mr Byers in January pointing out a leaked report claiming the Government was considering three new runways for the South East was having a devastating impact on property prices.

Chairman Brendon Sewill has sent a second letter renewing the group's demand for an inquiry.

The move follows a second major leak to the Press last week which claimed a new airport could be built at Cliffe in Kent.

He told Mr Byers: "You all maintain that the January 23 reports were pure speculation, by which we assume you mean they did not come from within Government.

"It was possible to believe that those leaks came from a well-informed source close to the aviation industry.

"The specific location of Cliffe could not, however, have been invented.

"If it is accurate, then surely you must set up a formal leak inquiry."

Mr Sewill said he was annoyed he had not had a reply to the earlier letter.

In his letter to Mr Byers Mr Sewill said reports suggesting Gatwick could get one or two new runways was blighting property in the area.

He said: "I am surprised there is so little discussion about these major leaks from his own department, which are causing so much damage."