Essex business leaders have welcomed the opportunities that the proposed expansion of Stansted airport will bring to the county.

"The announcement by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling that Stansted is to get a second runway was no surprise," said Nicholas Cook, chairman of the Essex branch of the Institute of Directors.

"Development anywhere and of any type is always going to concern residents' groups and environmental campaigners, but the current restrictions on further expansion at Heathrow was always going to mean expansion somewhere else.

"Stansted was clearly the front runner right from the start, driven by factors and influences outside the county. It is already an established international airport with good, and improving, road and rail links, well placed to serve London, the Eastern region and the Midlands," said Mr Cook.

"While there were few in the county who would have actively sought this expansion, we must look at the positive aspects. There will be huge opportunities for Essex to boost both the local economy and the image of the county in general as a player on the international stage, proud to host such a modern airport."

Published Wednesday December 17, 2003