Hopes for more trains between Braintree, Witham and London have been lifted with regional backing for a new track.
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) supports construction of the Cressing loop to link the Braintree line to Witham, which would allow an extra two London services between Braintree and Liverpool Street, on top of the current three peak services.
It is the highest level of support so far given for the project, which Witham and Braintree Rail Users' Association has campaigned for over the last 15 years.
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