Protesters have gathered in Doncaster city centre this morning ahead of a crucial meeting on plans to re-open Doncaster Sheffield Airport

A rally has been held outside the Civic Offices in Sir Nigel Gresley Square ahead of an extraordinary meeting called by Reform UK to take a fresh vote on a £57 million loan to fund the re-opening of DSA.

Councillors previously agreed to the deal in November, but Reform UK say they now want to take a fresh look at the deal and say there is “no blank cheque” for re-opening the airport.

Labour and Doncaster mayor Ros Jones have said that if the funding doesn’t go ahead, it will “kill” the project.

Yesterday, Reform confirmed that councillors won’t cancel the deal at today’s meeting - but will insist on safeguards on the funding and further releases of money against the project.

The TUC, Unite and GMB organised the protest rally which came after a similar demo outside the airport last month.

Union campaigners say the rally was aimed at urging City of Doncaster Council to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which they argue is vital for safeguarding employment opportunities and boosting the region’s economy.

Organisers called on residents to “stand up for jobs, growth and our region’s future,” saying reopening the airport will help create and protect skilled jobs while strengthening transport links and attracting investment to South Yorkshire and surrounding areas.