Southend Airport could provide the extra safety zones it needs to comply with Civil Aviation Authority regulations without moving St Laurence Church, an Eastwood councillor has claimed.

Tory Chris Walker was replying to claims made by airport director Roger Campbell that the controversial proposal to move the centuries old church was the "only choice" available.

He said: "This is culpably not true. The safety zones could be added at the Rochford end of the runway, but at the expense of putting the Southend Road and railway in tunnels and of buying out some residents.

"The railway tunnelling need disrupt the use of the line for no more than two days at the most, but the real problem is the cost."

Mr Walker added he wants to see the facts and figures over the issue before he would be convinced that the proposal to move the 11th century church was the only possible alternative.

He added: "Frankly, I just don't believe it and while I want to see the airport continue, I would like to know what research has been carried out.

"There are more opportunities for funding available, particularly through the Thames Gateway project, which has identified the airport as being of fundamental importance to the whole of the South Essex area.

"All I want to see is the facts about any other available options, and that is something which we just haven't seen from the airport."

Airport director Roger Campbell said an option to build a tunnel had been looked into but following investigations by engineers it had proved not viable.

Mr Campbell said: "The idea was suggested along with several other options but all were found to be not suitable. We spent time finding out if it could be done but to no avail.

"The only viable option to implement the safety zones is to move St Laurence Church. Buildings have been moved before - like in the case of a lighthouse a couple of years ago that was on the verge of falling into the sea.

"We know there will be opposition from certain groups but we have investigated a number of possibilities and this is the option we have been left with.

"There will be lengthy consultations with all concerned and any decision will be taken with great care.

"Anyone can come up with an idea and talk about it. The difference is that we are left with the job of getting the job done."

Published Tuesday December 18, 2001