Long live Concorde (From Gazette Series)

Long live Concorde

A CAMPAIGN to stop the "first step backwards in the technology revolution" and save Concorde has been building in strength and numbers after last week's epic final flight back to Filton.

A website has been set up outlining supporters' main aim of keeping the supersonic planes in the air - and not in a museum which is exactly where Concorde 216, the last to come off the production line in the 1970s, is heading.

The Save Concorde campaign already has the backing of the British Airline Pilots' Association, Shadow Secretary of Transport Damian Green and Shadow Education Secretary Tim Collins.

It is now seeking more backingfrom people who helped build the Silver Bird, remember her maiden flight or just want to see her take to the skies once again.

One of the five founders, Simon Church, told the Gazette: "We want to save Concorde and keep her flying for our national heritage so she can be seen at air shows and other special occasions.

"We intend to create a recognised voice that will be listened to but we do not want to upset British Airways or the government. This is being done in an entirely positive light"

Campaign members totalled 205this week, although almost 4,000 signatures have so far been collected in an effort to make sure last week was not the final flight for Concorde.

The website offers petitions and flyers that can be printed out so supporters can "fight to the end".

Mr Church added: "We must keep Concorde flying as an inspiration to the British engineers and entrepreneurs of the future.

"She is a statement of what this country can achieve and gives so much pleasure to those who see her fly.

"Britain has many things to be proud of but in today's society not many things can evoke such pride regardless of age, gender, status, race, creed or colour."

The first campaigners met by accident in a Concorde chat-room but they have now reached supporters as far away as the USA.

They want to create as much interest in Concorde so the possibility of a successor is not laid to rest.

They also want to make sure every Concorde is well preserved so that future flights do not just become a futile dream.

To join the campaign people should visit www.save-concorde.co.uk or meet fellow supporters outside Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitors Centre in Bristol tomorrow (10.30am).