Angry Frinton residents are bemused over how their town centre pub has got the all-clear to expand into a glazed conservatory area at the back of the building which they fear will create extra noise for neighbours.

Tendring Council originally refused permission for the plans for the Lock and Barrel in Connaught Avenue and brewery giant Shepherd Neame, which runs the site, appealed against the decision.

Last week, it was revealed an inspector had found in their favour.

But residents and Frinton and Walton town councillors claim they had no idea an appeal had been lodged let alone that it had been won by the company.

Iris Johnson said the first she knew was when an announcement was made at a Tendring Council planning meeting where she is also a member.

"It is a very serious situation that this appears to have gone through without us getting any notification of it whatsoever," she said.

"The residents opposed the use of the glassed area and as far as we were concerned we had won."

Len Brooks, from the town's residents' association, had written to the council to register its dismay at the situation.

Town councillor Terry Allen said in view of what he had now heard, he would make further inquiries.

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002