A FURTHER three companies have come out in favour of plans to expand Southend airport.

ATC Lasham, Inflite Southend Ltd and Avionicare all work in the aviation industry.

They believe that more airlines using the airport will bring increased opportunities for employment as well as allow for new business involved in aviation to open in the area.

Their backing comes after several major employers in the town added their backing to the plans, which have proved controversial with many residents.

Airport owners the Stobart group have submitted plans to Southend Council to extend the runway at the airport, with an aim of eventually carrying two million passengers a year.

The application will be decided by the council's development control committee on January 20, unless the project is called in by the Government.

FOR FULL STORY SEE WEDNESDAY'S ECHO