SOUTHEND Airport is worried proposals to reorganise airspace around London could have a negative impact on its future operations.

National Air Traffic Services is currently looking at possible changes to the use of airspace, north of London, which would effectively create corridors for north and south flights.

Southend airport officials, fearing this could interfere with its own airspace, are asking both Southend and Rochford District councils to give their support to its views.

Rochford's executive board will be asked to give its backing at a meeting next Thursday.

Chief executive Paul Warren said the airport was important in generating jobs in the Rochford district, and also because of its potential for development.

He said the view of the airport was although proposals for changes to airspace were still in the early stages, there were concerns the final plan might have a detrimental impact on the future of the airport.

It was felt important it should be preserved, and given the availablility to continue to develop in the future. The airport intends to submit a planning application imminently to Southend Council for a new four-star hotel.

It also aims to have a new railway station open on the Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria line, by the end of next year, together with improvements to the terminal building.

Airport managing director Alastair Welch was on holiday this week and could not be contacted.

The airspace consultation closes on August 10.