A rail link between Braintree and Stansted Airport has moved one step closer.

A much-debated feasibility study has been given the go-ahead.

Braintree is among the main candidates for a link to the Essex airport in a North West Essex Rail Services study looking into further connecting Stansted to the railway network.

The long-awaited study, which has been debated for years, is being funded by Essex County Council, Railtrack and BAA Stansted.

It will begin in December with findings due out next spring.

Possible connections between Stansted and Chelmsford or Marks Tey will also be explored.

A leading Braintree Council officer said the new study "will provide a stepping stone to promoting a link" between Braintree and Stansted.

Head of forward planning Paul Munson said it was a significant step.

David Whiteside, from Essex County Council transport, said: "Clearly, Stansted is the most important traffic and transport issue in the area.

"If the study concluded a rail link was desirable you are talking about in ten years time. It is about looking at the options and Braintree is one of those options."

Mr Whiteside said many groups - including local councils, the Railway Development Society, Railtrack, Essex County Council and BAA Stansted - would be involved in the consultation process.

David Bigg, chairman of Witham and Braintree Rail Users Association, said: "I would be very surprised if this study did not find in favour of a rail link."

Alix Stredwick, from independent pressure group the Railway Development Society, said: "Our favoured option is the Braintree to Stansted option. It's the most economic to build."

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