A CAMPAIGNER is trying to take Southend Council to court over the decision to allow the extension of the airport runway.

A member of the Stop Airport Extension Now (SAEN) group, with the backing of other members, has applied to launch a judicial review at the High Court in London.

The legal challenge is against the council’s decision to give planning permission to Southend Airport allowing it to extend its runway by 300m.

SAEN director, Graham Whitehead, said: "Both Southend and Rochford councils have shown total disregard for the interests of their residents and this should never have been approved by the development control committee.

“The council took the decision against the will of the vast majority of the people who responded to the consultation.

“We believe that the planning permission process was legally flawed and we are confident that the court will find in our favour."

*FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S ECHO.