Southend Airport will face certain closure if expansion plans to develop the site are shelved.

That is the stark warning from airport director Roger Campbell who believes the multi-million proposals are crucial to its survival.

Mr Campbell added that he did not want to see any more job losses at the airport which is still reeling following the collapse of British World Airlines last week.

The airline went into receivership after battling cash flow problems prompted by the worldwide aviation slump following the September 11 terror attacks.

All 320 of the airline's staff, the majority of whom are based at its Southend Airport headquarters, lost their jobs just days before Christmas.

Mr Campbell said: "The reality is if we stand still then there will be no future for Southend Airport. "The revenue will dry up and the airport will have to close.

"It really is make or break time and that is why we have spent so much time and money carrying out our own consultation and investigations into the best way forward.

"We have come up with a plan we believe will secure the future of Southend Airport for many years to come."

The airport's £6m development plan, which would create up to 3,000 jobs in the area, can only go ahead if a 450-metre buffer zone is in place at the end of the exisiting runway.

To do this, the 11th Century St Laurence Church will have to be moved about 150 yards from where it was built shortly after the Norman Conquest.

But proposals to roll the church down the road has enraged residents and members of the English Heritage who have called for a public inquiry.

Mr Campbell added: "We know there is opposition to our proposals and we will be listening to all those involved. But we have to put the future of the airport as a priority.

"The events of September 11 have hit the aviation industry hard worldwide and we are no exception. However, there are some signs of a recovery and we believe by providing more choice at Southend the airport will flourish.

"There is no point in taking one step forward and several steps back. We have seen only last week the loss of so many jobs at this airport - and we do not want to see any more."

Published Wednesday December 19, 2001