RAIL commuters and tourists will get speedier journeys after the £16billion Crossrail scheme was given final approval - but a leading Southend councillor said the line will not go far enough into Essex.

A Bill for the cross-London railway has received Royal Assent after a three-year journey through Parliament. Approval of the Bill means passengers can now expect to use Crossrail from as early as 2017.

The line will run from Maidenhead and Heathrow in the west through tunnels under central London – with new stations including Paddington, Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf – then out to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

However, Anna Waite, Southend Council’s transport boss said an opportunity had been missed.

She said: “I would love to see Crossrail come at least to Rochford for the new airport. I think it was absolutely stupid stopping at Shenfield.”

The Crossrail Act grants powers to buy land and for Crossrail to be built.

John Baron, MP for Billericay, said: “It could really help speed up train times for rail users in Billericay and Wickford and that’s good news.”

Main building work is set to begin in 2010.

Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “This landmark project is of major significance to both London and the whole country. It will generate jobs and economic growth and help re-vitalise some of our most deprived areas.”