WORK is set to begin within the next few months on the new railway station to serve Southend Airport.

Engineers from Stobart Rail have been on the site in the last week investigating the best ways to go ahead with the scheme.

The Stobart Group acquired the airport lease in November and bosses have said they plan to carry out major rail infrastructure work as soon as possible.

The new station would be on the Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street line, between Rochford and Prittlewell stations.

Airport managing director Alastair Welch said: “We are in the final stages of working out the full details on the railway station proposals. I’m hopeful we will be able to make an official announcement on the subject within the next couple of weeks.

“Obviously, there needs to be a great deal of discussion in a development like this, including discussions with Network Rail and the train operator National Express East Anglia.

“When everything is worked out and we are clear when work will start and know the projected opening time, we will be making a formal announcement.”

The new railway station and terminal building are part of the long-term projected expansion of the airport, which it is estimated will cost in the region of £35million.

It is envisaged that there will be more passenger flights from the airport, both internal and abroad, together with a possible extension to the runway.

The results of a joint consultation by Southend and Rochford District Councils about the area surrounding the airport is expected to be published shortly.