A town centre pub has been closed down after contravening licensing laws.

The Little Crown, on Short Wyre Street, failed to replace its designated supervisor, who left last Tuesday.

According to licensing laws, every premises which wishes to sell alcohol must have a nominated designated supervisor in the building during opening hours.

This supervisor is also the holder of a personal licence and must give written consent to take on the responsibility.

Their name will be specified on the licence and must also be displayed prominently in the premises.

Mick Aitchison, Essex Police licensing officer, explained the pub had been closed under a section 19 order.

He said: "The Little Crown's supervisor left last Tuesday, and they have been trading since then without one.

"It is a mandatory condition and so we have closed them down under section 19 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001."

He explained the pub will be unable to trade alcohol again until a new supervisor was appointed.

A spokesman for the Little Crown said an application would be lodged as soon as possible for a new supervisor to be designated.