Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois has written to the Chairman of Wetherspoon’s, Tim Martin, to ask if he can provide an update on the company’s plans to open a new Wetherspoons in Wickford. The two men discussed this possibility when Mark met Tim at a recent Brexit related event in Ian Duncan-Smith’s constituency and Mark has now followed up the conversation with a letter.
Wetherspoons have apparently informed Basildon Borough Council that they are looking to develop a Wetherspoons on the Old Market site behind the High Street, but it is not clear to what extent plans have evolved. As of yet, no planning permission has yet been submitted, so Mark decided to publically engage the company, to see where the plans now sit.
Commenting on the proposed development, Mark Francois MP said:
“There has been something of a buzz around Wickford about the possibility of a new Wetherspoons, which I suspect might be quite popular with my constituents. However, these things often tend to drag on a bit and so having met Tim recently I thought I would take the opportunity to drop him a line to see where things sit. I am sure my constituents will be interested to know the answer, so as soon as I receive it – unless there is anything commercially confidential in the response – then I will plan to put it up on my Facebook page so that all the townsfolk will have a better understanding of when this new pub is likely to be actually open for business. Combined with the recent opening of the ‘Posh Boys’ Brewery and Tap Room just next to Aldi, this shows that Wickford is on the up!
