PRESSURE is being put on airport bosses to resolve resident concerns over night flights.

Residents have told of sleepless nights after Southend airport signed a huge deal - believed to be with Amazon - to fly cargo planes.

And now Sir David Amess, MP candidate for Southend West, insists he is putting additional pressure on Southend Council.

The three flights per night consist of two arrivals, at around 1am and 3am, as well as one departure at 5.30am.

Michelle Williams, who lives close-by, said: “It needs addressing, as everyone has said, people are struggling to sleep. People have families, people are up early for work, there is no respite from it.

“Good on Sir David for pushing for change.”

In a video released on Twitter, Sir David said: “For some considerable time now I have been engaging with residents who have concerns about our airport and it does seem the number of complaints has increased recently while we have seen more night flights.

"Residents in surrounding roads are also concerned about increasing pollution.

“All of these issues I have taken to the local authority, in terms of what is allowed under s106, and if that can be adjusted.

"I have also robustly taken the issue up with the owners of the airport, and I am seeking further advice from the department of transport.”

A spokesman for Stobart said a public consultation on night flights had correctly taken place, adding: “The current level of cargo operations falls within our annual quota limit.

“However, we do take our role in the community incredibly seriously and want to be a force for good rather than an annoyance.

“We are working hard to ensure that all of the aircraft that operate at night, minimise their track miles over the community and follow the preferred runway scheme when weather/wind conditions allow.

“This is closely monitored and recorded.”

A council spokesperson added: "We are aware of concerns from residents regarding London Southend Airport, which have been reflected by Sir David Amess.

"The role of the council's Transport, Capital, Inward Investment Working Party is to annually review key monitoring data, details of complaints and the airport annual report.

"This working party met on Thursday 21 November. The report to this working party noted general compliance with the obligations contained in the relevant planning agreements."