The man behind controversial plans for Frinton's first town centre pub has struck a deal with Britain's oldest brewer.

Millionaire entrepreneur developer Eamonn Ryan is set to sign a long-term lease with independent Kent family brewer Shepherd Neame Brewers which was founded in 1698.

It is the latest development in a long battle to transform an empty ironmongers in Connaught Avenue and comes just days before Mr Ryan's application for a drinks licence was due to be heard.

Protesters have greeted the latest news with caution.

Len Brooks, of Frinton Residents Association, which has spearheaded the anti-pub campaign, said: "It confirms the view that he had no real intention to run this himself and his intention throughout was to lease it."

Mr Brooks said, however, they would be seeking a meeting with Shepherd Neame to discover their intentions and perhaps call a public meeting afterwards to discuss whether to continue their fight.

A delighted Mr Ryan said the 30-year lease was subject to the drinks licence being granted which would now be heard in the spring.

Mr Ryan still hoped the pub could be up and running for the summer.

Keith Johnson, of Shepherd Neame, said the firm, which is expanding into Essex, would be "delighted" to move into the genteel resort.

Previous negotiations with brewer JD Wetherspoon over leasing the building collapsed. Shepherd Neame has 300 tenanted and 60 managed pubs mainly in Kent. In the Colchester area, it runs The Shoulder of Mutton at Fordham.

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