There has been a fresh skirmish in a war of words over South West airports.

Small businesses have accused policy makers of being too timid in thinking about just one airport to serve the seven counties which make up the region.

The South West Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) wants the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) to "think big".

The RDA has said it wants to make sure all airports have good access but that Exeter's has the best connections to roads and rail.

Exeter Airport has good road and rail connections

The RDA believes it has to make a long-term choice about where resources are going to be concentrated and is being encouraged by the government.

However, the FSB thinks it cannot manage with just one airport and wants to see many developed, not just Exeter.

David Beardsley, of the FSB, said: "The problem is, although Exeter is a very good airport, it hasn't got much room to manoeuvre. If build more houses around it, it will have even less."

John Taynton from the RDA said: "We're trying to make sure all airports have access from the surface, by bus, coach or by rail.

Niche roles

"There are some problems for Bristol, but as far as Exeter is concerned, it is very close to the M5, the A303, the A38 and the railway line.

"It has superb potential and is underused. We want to ensure, in the medium-term, it has a more prominent role."

BBC South West business correspondent Neil Gallacher said: "In the long-term, 20 or 30 years, the RDA will need to decide if one will get the lion's share of resources.

"But there will be a niche role for airports such in Newquay and Bournemouth.

"It also does depends on where airlines are happy to base themselves."