NIGHT cargo flights at Southend Airport will reduce from tonight after a successful campaign by councillors and residents.

The airport’s cargo flights with a global logistics firm – believed to be Amazon – had been operating three times every night between 1am and 5.30am.

However, the final night flight will depart at 12.20am, with no other flights until after 6am.

Daniel Cowan, councillor for St Laurence ward near the airport, along with other councillors, met with the airport earlier this year to ask for the night flights to reduce.

The group called for at least six hours of silence to allow residents near the airport to be able to sleep uninterrupted.

Mr Cowan hailed the decision by the airport as an “unprecedented victory” for Southend residents.

He said: “This is a real victory for all concerned. We have always wished the airport success but not at the expense of people’s sleep.

“That is why this is such a significant step forward and I thank the airport for being so open to our suggestions.

“I want to thank the community for supporting us as we took the time to negotiate with the airport and especially my colleagues on the council who joined together to demand action as one voice.

“This will make a huge difference to the lives of my residents and many more across the borough.

“Whilst this doesn’t change the terms of the Section 106 agreement it does prove what can be achieved when we work together to balance the economic benefits of the airport with the social and environmental impacts.

“We have been making sure there has been a clear message between councillors and residents about what we want to achieve.

“It shows residents are being listened to by the council and airport.”

Sir David Amess, MP for Southend West, said: “At long last after sustained pressure from local residents, with whom I totally agree, as from tonight there is a change to the schedule of cargo flights.”

Southend Airport were contacted but declined to comment.