Rebecca Harris is among THREE South Essex MPs who are urging Crossrail to consider running its service to and from Southend, with Sir David Amess saying it could be “crucial” to the town’s economic success.

MP for Castle Point, Rebecca Harris, Sir David, MP for Southend West, and James Duddridge , MP for Rochford and Southend East, strongly backed the potential introduction of Crossrail trains in the town.

Sir David said: “There is no doubt at all that crucial to Southend’s economic success is its transport network. Accordingly, I would welcome the prospect of Crossrail linking Southend to London. For a start, if it were at all possible, it would certainly make commuting a lot easier.

“Then with us leaving the EU and seeking new international markets to sell our goods and services, a Crossrail link could possibly make the difference between securing or not securing an order."

“Crossrail is a wonderful thing which is already having a positive impact on London. I feel it could have the same effect on Southend.”

Mr Duddridge said he has already looked into the prospect of Crossrail’s introduction and added: “I have already written to Andrew Wolstenholme, chief executive of Crossrail, asking him to look at the possibility of extending the Elizabeth Line from Shenfield to Southend Victoria.

 “Within Rochford and Southend East there are eight train stations and access to London is vital, not just for commuters, but also to increase tourism.”

Mrs Harris also encouraged the possibility of the service being introduced.

She said: ““If in future there are plans to expand the connections to Southend, it can only be to the further benefit of local residents and the local economy and I would welcome that.”