A HANDFUL of protesters turned out at Bournemouth Airport on Saturday to complain against a new compulsory charge.

Drivers loading or unloading passengers and luggage can no longer stop near the terminal without paying £2.50 for up to 30 minutes parking.

Anne Stephens, of Wimborne, said the charge was ‘a bit of shock’, adding: “I don’t mind paying for parking, but not to just drop off or pick up.”

Organiser Henry Schachter said: “The management has managed to antagonise the very people they want to attract to the airport.”

Airport commercial director Patrick Alexander said: “What we’re trying to do is protect the jobs that are here.

“I don’t want to do this, but we have to pay to keep the place open.

“If people want to drop off and pick up, it’s less than the cost of a beer.”