The Government will fund Southend Airport’s latest route – to England’s second most northern city.

In the Treasury’s Autumn Statement, Whitehall has announced it will give a slice of £7million to fund a new route from Southend to Carlisle Airport, which will run twice a day.

Both airports are owned by Stobart Air, and the firm hopes to have passenger flights up and running by summer 2016, with the route operational after that.

Located less than ten miles from the Scottish borders, the historic Cumbrian city is famed for being close to the Lake District, the picturesque west coast of Scotland, and Newcastle under an hour away to the East.

Flights from Carlisle to Southend will be timed to allow visitors a full day out in Essex or London.

Graham Haywood, director of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “These flights would provide those in the south East with an attractive and convenient method of accessing both business and tourism opportunities in Cumbria and the Lake District.

“They offer an opportunity for people to come and invest in the city, as Carlisle is also perfectly situated to access The Lake District National Park, Hadrian’s Wall and other sights in the region.”

Carlisle Airport bid for the Treasury cash, after the department announced its Regional Air Connectivity Fund, available for terminals that get less than five million passengers a year.

It was one of five winning bids, as well as routes to Belfast and Dublin from Carlisle, and flights from Norwich to Exeter and Newcastle.

The funding will provide support to each route for three years, and will be the only flight from Southend to another location in England.

Lynn Catling, from Leigh, whose parents live in Galloway, in Scotland, said: “Amazing news, my kids can now see their grandparents more often.

“Ideal replacement for Edinburgh.”

Labour’s Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for tourism at Southend Council, admitted he found the route ‘unusual’ but said his authority will try and keep day trippers in Essex, not the capital.

He said: “Anything that supports the airport and promotes it will gain favour with us, as well as the investment.

“Whether the demand or usage for the route is there, I’m not too sure, but we will be looking to promote Southend as a destination to stay, not pass through.”

Carlisle Airport needs to upgrade its runway and landing systems but hopes to have passenger flights starting by next summer.

Glyn Jones, the chief executive of Stobart Aviation said: "We welcome the Government’s desire to retain investment in regional air connectivity at a time of downward pressure on spending. We are awaiting confirmation of the detail of that investment with regard to operations at London Southend Airport before considering our next steps.”

Braintree and Witham Times: Carlisle Cathedral wrapped in 200 metres of bright red parachute silk last year to promote the importance of organ and blood donation

Carlisle Cathedral

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT CARLISLE…

  • Scotland is ten miles away
    Although Carlisle classes as England’s second most northern city as the Scottish border isn’t in a straight line, Carlisle is the closest city to Scotland, being only a mere ten miles away.
    Situated to the west of England, Dumfries is less than an hour away, while Glasgow is only 96 miles north. If you fancied visiting Edinburgh, the capital is only just over an hour away on train.
    And it is perfectly placed to visit the primitive and picturesque Scottish west coast.
     
  • The Lake District
    Only 25 miles south of Carlisle, the Lake District is Cumbria’s most famous attraction.
    The national park is England’s most famous set of mountains, with Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in the county homed there.
    But the park is also famed for its stunning views, woodland walks, with all of the land in England being 3,000 feet above sea level based in the Lake District.
    And it’s got its name for a reason too – being home to the deepest and longest lakes in England, Wastwater and Windermere.

 

  • Hadrian's Wall
    World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall is a historic Roman barricade, built in 122 AD.
    It is one of the oldest and most famous landmarks in the world, built under the Roman Empire.
    A significant portion of the wall still stands and can be followed on foot along the adjoining Hadrian's Wall Path.
    It is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England.
  • Newcastle
    Newcastle is the most northern town in the whole country, but that is not what it is famed for.
    It is one of the biggest cities in the country, and is famed for its raucous nightlife.
    But that isn’t all the city has to offer – it is famous for the Tyne river passing through it, as well as the Tyne Bridge, and St. James’ Park football stadium, one of the biggest venues in the country.
    For shopping, not culture, it is also home of the Metro Centre – one of the biggest retail parks in the country.
     
  • Carlisle
    And Carlisle itself isn’t a bad place to visit. The city, Cumbria’s biggest, was first created pre Roman era.
    The city features a historic castle as its centrepiece, as well as a catherdral, and also boasts a racecourse.
    There is also a major museum and art gallery in the city centre, as well as a host of heritage centres and locations.
    It is also home to the main campus of the Unviersity of Cumbria, so will have a vibrant nightlife.