AN ESTATE agent specialising in lettings near airports plans to open a Southend branch to meet demand from people moving to the town.

Airport Lettings, based at Stansted Airport, hopes to open a branch at Southend Airport early next year as the expanding development attracts more workers.

Owner Terry Farthing said: “The last twelve months and the next year ahead is a very exciting time for Southend and its Airport.

“We are seeing real investment from globally recognised companies such as easyJet and the real winner can be the local Southend economy.”

The firm is currently managing its Southend portfolio from temporary offices in Webster Court, off Webster Way, Rayleigh.

Mr Farthing heard about increased demand from easJet staff based near the Stansted office as about 180 staff were relocated to Southend with three aircraft in April.

Demand then reduced but Mr Farthing expects it to increase as the new terminal extension gets under way.

The extension is expected to create 300 new jobs and construction staff from outside the town will need temporary accommodation while the work is carried out.

Alison Boor, who is running the Southend branch, said: “It remains a challenging time for the economy but here in Southend we are seeing opportunities like never before.

“The town and the surrounding area have some lovely homes and we are fortunate to be able to showcase many of them. Local people can gain a great deal from this and we would encourage them to contact us and find out more.”