A LAST gasp bid has been made to stop a former Colchester pub being converted into a Sainsbury’s Local store.

Residents and traders look set to lose a 16-month battle to prevent the transformation of the Drury Arms, in Layer Road.

On Thursday night, members of Colchester Council will be recommended to approve an application for an extension to the historic building which would allow it to be converted into a small supermarket.

Planners and an independent inspector have already rejected one application by site owners Property Portfolio for the conversion.

Last month, a decision on a second application was deferred to find out more about disabled parking provision and if access for delivery lorries could be improved.

Ralph Martin, of Ralph & Rita’s on Layer Road, has now written to the planning committee raising concerns about the extra traffic he believes would use the supermarket.

See Wednesday's Gazette for more.