A rail watchdog has revealed its £3 million plans to develop the rail network.

Witham and Braintree Rail Users Association has put forward ambitious plans to help improve the railway between Essex, London and Stansted Airport.

Among proposals put forward in a five-year plan is the construction of a second platform at Cressing station.

The scheme would allow trains to pass each other on the single track Braintree branch line, which would double passenger capacity.

Other proposals include constructing a direct rail link at Witham to the Braintree branch line, extending all station platforms on the branch line to allow 12-car carriages and a fifth platform at Witham.

The 500-member association estimates the total cost of their proposals to be more than £3 million.

Chairman David Bigg said: "We are business people and everything is put forward on a business case basis. The traffic is there and we have got to increase capacity to meet that demand.

"The Cressing loop would allow half hourly trains from Braintree to Witham off peak and three trains an hour at peak times.

"There is potential for housing development at Cressing which will itself increase traffic and this could be a step to meet that demand."

Mr Bigg added: "We have got to increase capacity and to do that we've got to spend money."

Another project the group proposes is a detailed study of the Braintree to Stansted rail link and the preparation of a cost of works order allowing Parliament to authorise building.

Until the airport rail link is built the association is asking for funds to start a limited stop bus service running between Witham, Braintree and Stansted, a service which it hopes would help non-car owners get jobs at the airport.

The watchdog is submitting its proposals to Essex County Council for consideration in the county transport plan, before putting them to Government rail planning bodies.

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