Within central government policy of developing 'The Thames Gateway', and increasing runway capacity in the South East, Southend Airport has the opportunity to make an important contribution. The airport once offered near-continent and regional connections for which there is still a demand, as identified by the operators of London City airport who have expressed an interest. Proposals for a runway extension which would enable operation of many, environmentally efficient mid-sized aircraft such as the Airbus A319 operated by Easyjet, are to be welcomed. The balance between environmental impact of a development virtually within the airport's existing boundaries and local employment/prosperity must fall in favour of the development of the airport without delay. Perhaps the biggest issue is one which affects the area in general,, with or without the airport, is road access.