THE Government is expected to announce today it will seriously consider building a new multi-runway airport in the Thames estuary.

Despite previous denials, Conservative Party deputy chairman Michael Fallon hinted this morning that Chancellor George Osborne would reveal plans to investigate the proposal during his budget update speech today.

Earlier this month, architect Lord Norman Foster unveiled plans for a four-runway airport on the Isle of Grain in Kent, just three miles from Southend and Canvey.

For full story, see tomorrow's Echo.