Environmental campaigners have been staging a protest at Southend Airport today.

The Extinction Rebellion team met at Manners Way/Rochford Road roundabout from 9am this morning.

Ahead of the protest, spokesman Jon Fuller said: “There will be banners with the key message – flying crashes the climate.

“This event will be very peaceful and law abiding and is being put on at this time primarily in support of the residents in Wells Avenue who have featured in the national press over the last few days. We hope that this is something that will grow.”

Mr Fuller, 61, of Martyns Grove, Westcliff is also spokesman for South East Essex Friends of the Earth. He was arrested after laying down in the road in London for more than six hours.

Rodney Godfrey, from Leigh, was also arrested after Metropolitan Police officers removed him from a peaceful protest on the capital’s Waterloo Bridge.

Charlie Grafton from Southend was also arrested. All three are waiting to hear whether they will be charged with any offence.

Glyn Jones, Stobart Aviation chief executive said: “Airlines operating from London Southend Airport utilise modern, efficient aircraft, which always operate well within the environmental conditions laid down for us by national and local government – something which we monitor on a regular basis.

"We are a growing airport that has created hundreds of jobs and is now providing local connectivity to around 40 routes. Climate change is an important subject and all constructive contributions to the debate around it are welcome.”