A HOST of major transport improvements will be made in a bid to lure easyJet back to Southend Airport.

Council bosses have revealed how upgrades to the A127 and A13 will help bring the airline back to the airport after it withdrew its base last summer.

While extending the new Crossrail line to Southend has also been touted as a way to prove to easyJet that Southend has the transport links needed.

The airline has not made specific demands to the council, but has hinted it could return in the “medium to long term”. 

Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, will be lobbying the Government to fund the improvements. 

He said: “I’m not a transport expert, but the junctions and connectivity need improving.

“They’re really important in bringing back easyJet and will make a difference. We need to provide the right environment for their return.

“It’s about the rail too and the investment in that. It will help get people to and from London quicker, and improving the connections.”

It comes as council leaders were told there is very little chance of the airline returning within three years, but it could return in the long term if transport links are drastically improved.

And Kevin Buck, shadow councillor for transport, added: “Extending Crossrail will be an attractive prospect for easyJet.

“It will allow for Southenders to go from Southend to West London in one go. The line is stopping at Shenfield at the moment.

“Crossrail would use all the existing train lines we have at the moment, and would use all the same speed limits. It makes sense for the end of the line to be Southend Victoria, rather than at Shenfield.”