Controversial plans for Frinton's first town centre pub are not to go ahead after all.

Brewery giants J D Wetherspoon confirmed yesterday they had pulled out of the hard-fought bid.

The shock announcement comes after months of campaigning by protesters at the genteel resort.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "Wetherspoon's has instructed its solicitors to tell the developers' solicitors that it will not be proceeding to buy the site. Wetherspoon's also confirmed it would not be applying for a drinks licence to sell alcohol.

Mr Gershon said: "As far as we are concerned we might look at opening a pub in Frinton at some time in the future. After months of negotiations with the developer we are unable to come to an agreement over the purchase.

"We are disappointed and know that despite the protests many people in the town would have liked the pub."

Ryan Developments, the owner of the former ironmongers in the town's Connaught Avenue, has applied for permission to remove a planning restriction which limits its use to Wetherspoon.

Planning permission for the pub was granted earlier this year.

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