New bus routes to airport backed by bosses

Plane passengers and staff could "greatly benefit" from new bus routes being created, London Southend Airport has said.

New bus services have been suggested to link the Essex terminal with the city's travel centre in York Road, as well as Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay and Shoebury.

They are some of the measures set out in Southend-on-Sea City Council's proposed transport strategy.

Opposition councillors are sceptical of the plans, but an airport spokesperson said new bus routes would strengthen its "sustainable onward transport options".

"Both our passengers and staff will benefit greatly from this enhanced connectivity," said the spokesperson.

Opposition Conservative councillor James Courtenay, who represents Chalkwell ward, said he thought there was demand for more bus services.

But Ron Woodley, an independent councillor for Thorpe, said he was "disappointed" with the proposed transport plan.

He called for a tram network to be introduced and added: "People use them because they're a simple hop-on, hop-off facility and you don't have to get into a car."

Reform UK councillor for West Shoebury ward, Tony Cox, questioned demand for a direct airport bus, pointing to existing rail links and other travel options.

"I am sceptical," said Cox.

The strategy, called Local Transport Plan 4, also features the idea of extending the Elizabeth railway line to Southend, a new road linking the city with Chelmsford, lower speed limits on the A127 and new river transport.

A public consultation is running until 17 November inviting opinions about the plan, which sets out a vision for the period up until 2045.

Labour, Liberal Democrats and independent councillors run the council as a minority administration.

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