Residents in Frinton have reluctantly accepted they are to get their first town centre pub after a bitter two-year battle.

At a public meeting on Saturday, they voted in favour of Britain's oldest brewers, Shepherd Neame, taking over the controversial site in Connaught Avenue.

The family-run firm, which has been in business since 1698, was seen as the best possible option for the former Blowers and Coopers ironmonger's store.

More than 200 people attended the meeting at Tendring Technology College. Of those, 108 supported the brewer's plans, 60 objected and 50 abstained.

Len Brooks, of the Frinton Residents' Association, said the time had come to be realistic.

He said people had to face the fact that it was unlikely magistrates would reject the firm's application for a licence and asked if residents were prepared to put up another £8,000 or more to fight it.

"What are the chances of us succeeding in opposing Shepherd Neame's application and what are the consequences of winning?" he asked.

"If we did oppose it and win, we are then back with Mr Ryan, who owns the site, and whatever new plans he may come up with."

Resident Shelagh Lawton, of Second Avenue, supported the family-based firm.

"If we have a place in the style they are proposing, it will give somewhere people can walk to where they can get a drink and decent food," she said.

George Barnes, company secretary for Shepherd Neame, did not attend the meeting on legal advice but sent a statement outlining the firm's plans.

He said it would be investing £300,000 into the project, which will create ten to 12 new jobs and hopefully open in July or August.

The aim is to provide a 70/30 split in favour of food over drink and there would also be a dress code, no drinking from bottles, no cheap beer and no attempt to target youngsters.

"Local shops will benefit from the business and so will employees."

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