AIRPORT Consultative Committee members will try to present a united front in an attempt to help kick-start stalled Sino-British negotiations over the controversial infrastructure project. Committee member Mr Leung Kwong-cheong has written to the group's chairman, Mr Wong Po-yan, urging him to call a special plenary meeting next month. The last meeting, held in December, ended in stormy fashion with at least one member walking out, accusing Mr Leung and fellow member Mr Lau Kong-wah of attempting to politicise the independent advisory group. Attempts since to convene another meeting have failed, but Mr Leung said members now appeared to have overcome their differences and were ready to place the interests of Hongkong before their own. The continuing Sino-British deadlock over airport financing could spell disaster for Hongkong, he said. ''We should talk about the economic benefits of the airport and its associated projects and try to separate it from politics,'' he said. ''If they can not restart the talks, then that puts a lot of things into doubt about the future.'' Mr Wong said there was a desperate need to have a meeting, and this was backed by Mr Lau. A date for the meeting has yet to be set, but it is understood it would have to take place before the Legislative Council summer break. The resumption of talks must be top priority, Mr Leung said. Further delays would result in the airport falling far short of its target completion date of mid-'97. Associated airport projects worst hit by the Sino-British impasse on funding include the Central/Wan Chai reclamation. The awarding of the tender was to have taken place in January, but the date has been pushed back several times and there is no indication when a contractor will be named. A key element of the reclamation project is the terminal building for the new airport rail link. Meanwhile, the ACC's sub-committee on the environment has scheduled a meeting for April 20 with contractors responsible for the Kwai Tsing tunnel. Work on the project has upset area residents, who claim there have been sudden power cuts and water stoppages since work began last month.
