Leigh Town Council's planning committee has voted to submit an objection to plans to extend the runway at Southend airport.

At a meeting last night, Tuesday, councillors decided to object to the plans for a variety of reasons.

Although the planning application submitted to Southend Council by airport owners the Stobart Group does not directly affect Leigh, the town is under the airport flight path.

Residents have expressed concerns about the development including increased noise, pollution and disruption to school pupils, which the council is now set to include in its objection.

FOR FULL STORY SEE THURSDAY'S ECHO.