The owners of Frinton's only town centre pub are stepping up their bid to show top sporting events on televisions in the building.

Brewers Shephard Neame, which runs the Lock and Barrel in Connaught Avenue, won the right to play background music at the venue last year.

Tendring councillors approved plans and lifted conditions preventing music - despite strong opposition.

However, at the planning meeting in October it was decided to pull the plug on a bid to install televisions at the pub.

Councillors felt it was not in the interests of the 200 or so people living close by.

Now Shephard Neame has decided to appeal against the ban and a final decision will be made by a Government inspector.

Nichola Leatherbarrow, of the brewery, said the company wanted to be able to show Wimbledon tennis, cricket test matches and golf.

There were no plans to stage live football matches, which it is feared would lead to rowdy behaviour at the pub in the town's main shopping street.

Iris Johnson (Con, Frinton) opposed the initiative last October and said she stood by that.

"I am thinking about the residents who live in and around Connaught Avenue and I hope the inspector will back us up on that and make sure their peace and quiet is not further disrupted," she said.

Both Frinton and Walton Town Council and Frinton Residents' Association opposed the moves to bring in music and the televisions.

Those standing in the Frinton ward for Tendring Council in the May 1 elections are Terry Allen (Con), Ann Evander (Lab), Tony Finnegan-Butler (UK Ind), Graham Ford (Lab), Nick Turner (Con), Brian Whitson (Lib Dem).

Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003

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