Worried councillors are drawing up the battle lines against plans for Frinton's second pub.

The bid comes in the wake of the unsuccessful battle to block a former ironmongers in the town centre being transformed.

And now restaurateur Alastair Waters is seeking a new licence to allow customers to drink on his premises without having a meal.

Two earlier bids by small restaurants in Connaught Avenue for similar licences were turned down, Frinton and Walton councillors were reminded last night (Thursday).

The town's first pub The Lock and Barrel, which is due to open next month, involved a planning application to change its use of the former shop.

The council was among the leading protesters, along with Frinton Residents' Association, and it has an anti-pub policy where Frinton is concerned.

Several stated the new application was exactly what they had feared following the go-ahead.

The application is to be heard at Colchester on September 1.

Councillors felt as before, it would cause extra disturbance and complained about the lack of parking space and need.

They also agreed that the decision to turn down licences for the other two similar sized restaurants had set a precedent.

The only alternative would be to call for conditions including a ban on a bar at Alastair's Restaurant, also in Connaught Avenue.

It was agreed to put together their objections and seek legal help.

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