The prospect of a town centre pub in Frinton remains open all hours.

But it will certainly be well into the millennium before the first pint is pulled.

And in the meantime the large former ironmongers in the genteel resort's only shopping street is set to remain empty.

Last week, pub giant J D Wetherspoon announced it was pulling out of the controversial scheme to become of the first licencees of a pub in the town centre after a major struggle with protesters.

Wetherspoon said it could not come to an agreement with developers Ryan Group, who own the Connaught Avenue site.

But even before the decision was announced, the Ryan Group had submitted an application to the planning authority calling for a condition restricting its initial use to Wetherspoon to be lifted.

This will be considered by town councillors on July 22 who will make a recommendation to Tendring District Council.

Eamonn Ryan, head of the Ryan Group, insisted he was now looking for a more food-orientated operation

Frinton Residents' Association remain opposed to any pub plan.

Leading protester Len Brooks said: "We would welcome the opportunity of meeting Mr Ryan, the property developer, to discuss possible ways we can assist in attracting an acceptable organisation to take over the Blowers and Cooper site."

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