A village has lost its last pub.

Last orders were called at The Wheatsheaf in Wrabness for the final time this week - and it now looks set to be turned into a private house despite last-minute pleas to save it.

A planning application submitted by owners Joyce and Robert Healy to change the Harwich Road property's use is due to be considered by Tendring Council.

The Wheatsheaf, formerly the Drunken Duck, is the second pub in Wrabness to close in 18 months. The Black Boy near the railway station closed in 1998 to become a private property.

Drinkers in Wrabness will now have to travel to either Bradfield, Wix or Ramsey to visit a pub - none of which are accessible by foot without walking along unlit roads.

Maurice Garnham, chairman of Wrabness Parish Council, said: "It's something people have feared for a long time."

He said decisions on applications to change the use of pubs should be delayed by Tendring Council for six months to give people the opportunity to come forward and buy the pubs as a going concern.

District councillor Mark de Roy said the pub had "potential" and that he would like to see it remain. He urged anyone interested in taking on the watering hole to contact the owners.

He added: "It's quite a serious loss in terms of a tourist amenity. It is only the second pub which visitors come to on what is a well-used tourist route by foreign national coming from Parkeston Quay."

Landlady Mrs Healy confirmed trade had been good but said the pub was closing for "personal reasons". She thanked all the pub's regulars for their support.

Situated on the B1352 Harwich to Manningtree road, The Wheatsheaf was at the centre of a controversial planning application in 1998 when Mr and Mrs Healy attempted to open a caravan site at the pub, but were refused permission.

They then warned they were thinking of giving up plans to develop their business.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.