Hampshire police had wanted to bring a halt to aviation at the former HMS Daedalus airstrip in Lee-on-the-Solent over health and safety fears.

But yesterday – on the very day flights were to be banned – the police made a dramatic U-turn after striking a deal with airfield users to provide a new air-to-ground radio system.

Steve Cockshott, of the Lee Flying Association, said: 'Obviously we welcome the news, and it's a victory for common sense.

'It's a real shame that it got to the stage it did with the conflict between us.

'Essentially the chief constable has implemented our proposal.'

Last October police threatened to close the airfield to general aviation – apart from its spotter plane and coastguard helicopters – saying it would not spend the £300,000 that was needed to bring the airfield up to safety standard.

But over the past few months there have been extensive negotiations between the police and the Lee Flying Association, which represents the site's users.

It's now been agreed that the new radio system will be paid for by the Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club and other users at no cost to the police.

An administrative fee will also be introduced by the police to cover any costs associated with continued general aviation.

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said: 'I am pleased that we have been able to arrive at a solution that satisfies our safety concerns while allowing general aviation to continue to use the airfield.

'Importantly, this will be done in a way that ensures that taxpayers are not required to bear the cost of accommodating general aviation at Daedalus.'

And he added: 'The new regime will also have no impact on our ability to operate emergency service aircraft from the airfield, allowing this important unit to continue contributing to keeping the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight safe.'