BUSINESS leaders and politicians have heralded the arrival of easyJet to Southend Airport.

It came as the budget airline announced plans for 70 flights a week from Southend to 10 European destinations, including Barcelona. Hopes are sky high the deal will bolster tourism in the town and boost the local economy, while providing low-cost getaways for thousands of residents.

James Duddridge, Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: “I am absolutely elated.

“This fantastic news will generate more jobs and the airport is continuing to move forward, despite the challenges it has faced along the way. Well done to everyone involved.”

John Dallaway, policy manager at Essex Chamber of Commerce, said: “We see this as a very important step forward in terms of the further economic regeneration of south east Essex, and all the job creation and business development which will go with it. We are very pleased.”

Simon Patterson, chairman of Southend’s seafront traders’ association, added: “It is absolutely great news. We will be able to have people flying into Southend and commuting to London, and from a tourism point of view it will be great.

“From a business and jobs point of view it’s also good news.”

Independent group leader Martin Terry, a member of the airport consultative committee, felt the deal represented a real opportunity for the town.

He added: “The council’s objectives should now be to get as many people flying into the UK for a long weekend in London to base themselves in Southend.

“If we can do that, we can help hotels, restaurants and local businesses.”

Nigel Holdcroft, Tory leader of Southend Council, said it was a significant development while offering reassurance to residents worried about the impact of the flights.

He added: “It’s important to bear in mind this is dependent on the runway extension being constructed and put into use, which means these flights won’t start until our new environmental controls are in place.

“It’s exciting news, but hopefully the control measures will reassure residents concerned about the number of flights coming into and out of the airport.”

However, Lib Dem leader Graham Longley gave a cautious welcome, insisting his party would not tolerate night flights.

He said: “It will be nice to see if we can get some diverse destinations.

“Over the ten years it will be important to see where they take their operations.

“From the residents’ and the town’s point of view they need to make sure they get their routes right so people want to use it. In general I welcome it, butprovided it’s day-time operation.”