A pub that claims to be the oldest in Essex will suffer a major loss of trade if a sign has to be removed, licensee Richard Bailey has predicted.

Mr Bailey, an ex-farmer who used to run Newland Hall at Roxwell, has been at the Green Man at Howe Street for four and a half years.

But he fears that custom will be cut by around 25 per cent if he follows an order by Chelmsford Borough Council to remove a sign near a roundabout at Essex Regiment Way, giving directions to the pub.

Mr Bailey said: "The Green Man is the oldest licensed premises in Essex, dating back to 1314, and is very much part of the community. We want to keep the pub alive and need the sign because we are now cut off from passing trade on the main road.

"I put the sign up about nine months ago and was told I needed planning permission for it, which was turned down two months ago. We have had a lot of compliments about the sign and it is quite neat and tidy."

Mr. Bailey said he is now going to re-apply for permission for the sign and if this is unsuccessful will consider an appeal against the order to remove it.

A spokeswoman for Chelmsford Borough Council said: "It is understandable that the pub wants to attract custom, but planning regulations have to apply to everyone. The rules regarding signs exist for safety reasons."

Signing out: Licensee Richard Bailey with the sign he has been ordered to remove.

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