Hopes for a much-vaunted Stansted rail link could be dashed before they even get off the ground if a tiny plot of land goes under the hammer.

There are fears ambitious plans for a line connecting the airport with Braintree will be derailed if an old railway siding in Witham is sold off.

The land, off Cut Throat Lane, is vital to build a junction to carry services from Colchester onto the Stansted route without passengers having to change.

But there is a danger it could be sold off by the British Rail Property Board. Top-level talks are now being held to safeguard the land.

Braintree Council - which backs the proposed rail link - has formally registered its interest in the site. MP Alan Hurst has also written to Government transport chiefs expressing his concerns.

He said: "It is felt the sale of the land at this stage would be premature and would constrain future options for the route. I feel it is essential that a proper evaluation takes place before this land is sold."

Council spokesman Paul Munson said the rail link project would be jeopardised if the site was sold.

"We have registered an interest in the land, saying its sale will probably prejudice any future improvements to the branch line to Braintree," he said.

"Given our concern they shouldn't sell any land that might be required for transport-related use."

Braintree Council could now buy the land itself. It will be given first refusal if it can put a successful bid together.

Pressure has been growing for a rail link to ease traffic congestion around the rapidly-expanding airport and on the busy A120.

It comes at a time when the Government and rail bosses are channelling more resources into persuading people to use the train and to create a truly integrated transport system.

But there are funding difficulties and rail chiefs say the line is not a priority project.

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