The uncomfortable truth for many here is that HZ123 is correct with his comments about the runway length and the Rochford council decision not to move any church, graves etc and the costs were prohibitive.
My view is that turboprop transport is in rapid decline, people want jet transport and as good as the Dash 8-400 is, their days are numbered in passengers eyes.
Also, the comments about Southend residents not caring or being oblivious about their airport is sadly correct, broad brush, yes, not far off the truth.
People look to STN and LGW.
SEN will remain a dead duck with just a limited offering for storage and maintenance facilities unless it gets a decent runway and thereby attract the Airbus family of holiday jets.