SOUTHEND Airport bosses are battling to close a security loophole after 15 protestors invaded their runway.

Members of campaign groups Plane Stupid and Climate Rush exploited a public footpath, which runs across one of the airfield’s taxiways, to gain access to the airport on Saturday.

The stunt has prompted Alastair Welch, the airport’s managing director, to renew pleas to divert the footpath so it no longer acts as an open door to potential troublemakers.

An airport spokesman said: “The airport has been working for some time, to address this issue and we are hopeful for a positive outcome.

“As with all airports, security arrangements are under constant review.”

The rambling route, known as Footpath 36, starts at Aviation Way and runs along the western boundary of St Laurence and All Saints church.

It then crosses a taxiway leading from buildings in Aviation Way industrial estate, used by airport-based firms, to the runway itself.

On Saturday, the protesters are believed to have used the footpath to reach the taxiway.

They then ran to the edge of the runway and danced around the airfield, singing a modified version of the Britney Spears song “Toxic” to raise awareness of climate change.

All 15 protesters, none of whom were from Essex, were arrested and bailed until November 30 on the condition they do not return to the county.

The airport is in the middle of a multi-million pound expansion drive, which includes lengthening the runway by 300m.

Budget airline easyJet is due to start flights to nine overseas destinations in April.

However, any move to close or divert the footpath must be agreed by both Essex County Council and the Department for Transport.

Mike Steptoe, the Tory councillor responsible for the environment at Rochford District Council, said Mr Welch would have his full support.

He said: “I think it would be an eminently sensible move.

“It needs to be done carefully, so it does not have a negative impact on people who may use it. But, for security and health and safety reasons, you cannot have a path that gives direct access to an airport.”