Instructors at Plymouth's flying school say they hope the city council will make a u-turn on plans to close the airport.

This afternoon, the local authority's cabinet will decide whether to support Sutton Harbour's proposals to shut the airport at the end of the year.

It follows two independent economic studies which agreed with Sutton Harbour's assertions that the airport wasn't economically viable.

The local authority has said it wants to protect the land for use as an airfield and will consider whether to continue using it for military purposes.

Marshall Cligman from Plymouth's flying school believes the city could miss out on future funding without an airport. 

The cabinet will also discuss proposals for three permanent travellers' sites at St Budeaux, Roborough and Efford today.

Also on the agenda are proposals to sell and then lease back part of the civic centre to reduce the council's accommodation costs.

The local authority will also discuss proposals to improve safety at the pedestrian crossing on Royal Parade.

It follows the death of a pensioner on the crossing in February 2010 - proposals include changing the colour of the paving near the crossing and reviewing the timing of the lights.