Plans for a new restaurant in Braintree have prompted renewed claims there are too many eating places in the town.

Chef Mark Keenan and his brother Paul are to run the new restaurant and wine bar which will be called Keenan's.

It will be in the former Lennon's wine bar in High Street and is to open as a wine bar downstairs, with a restaurant seating 40 people above, on February 14.

Braintree councillor Barbara Buchan (Ind, Braintree West) said it would be the 64th eating place in the town centre and surrounding area.

Mrs Buchan said: "It all sounds really wonderful and I wish them all the luck in the world but as a Braintree resident I just feel enough is enough. We have just got too many places to eat."

But Braintree Council today said the new business would be good for the town.

David Mann, executive member for employment and development, said: "It's good to see units within the town centre coming into active use rather than closing or remaining empty.

"I hope that it will add to the life and culture of the centre of Braintree and that the town continues to develop a reputation for high quality eating places."

Mark Keenan, a chef who used to work in London, said the restaurant would offer a different type of food to that at other restaurants in Braintree.

Published Friday, January 10, 2003

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