We understand that the actual intention of the current landowners, Manchester City Council, is to transfer the lease of the land to the Manchester Ship Canal Company in which they have a 50% stake, for £1m. This, however, has not happened as yet.

The Lancashire Aero Club's lease on the aerodrome runs until 2005, not next year as reported in the local press. They have been denied the opportunity to purchase the site for themselves, thus ensuring the aerodrome's long term future, despite being in a position to do so and have lodged an objection to the proposed transfer with the local ombudsman.

The club, one of the few primarily GA facilities in the area, has a thriving membership and provides work for more than 100 people. Salfrod City Council, the local planning authority which will ultimately approve any development plans for the aerodrome site, remains supportive of the aerodrome. This year sees the club celebrate it's 80th anniversary with a weekend of events, including a fly-in, on May 11th and 12th.