A MORRISONS store is set to open on the site of a closed pub.

The M Local convenience store is to take over the site of the Silver Jubilee Pub, in Hilton Road, Canvey.

Owner Punch Taverns decided to close the pub last month saying “it had a number of offers.”

Supermarket giant Morrisons has already applied to Castle Point Council for a new premises licence.

If approved, the store will be open Monday to Sunday from 6am to 11pm.

Former landlady Joanne Cramp and her family of five were forced to move out when the pub closed its doors on July 19.

She said: “I knew someone had bought it and like everyone else I had heard the rumours.

“I thought Tesco were trying to get it, but it seems Morrisons have got their foot in first.

“It’s a shame but I knew it wasn’t going to be a pub again.”

Canvey councillor Ray Howard said: “There’s going to be too much retail on Canvey.

“We’ve already got an Iceland and Morrisons at Northwick, and the Knightswick Centre, and plenty of express stores.

“There’s only somany that can earn a living and you would think the bigger stores would be sufficient.

“Clearly Morrisons are in the market for express stores.

“If it’s going to be convenient for residents that’s a bonus, but there are only so many who will shop there and it could have a fundamental effect on other stores.

“I was sad to see the Silver Jubilee close and I would have thought a Wetherspoons or a leisure facility would be ideal.

Not yet another food store.”

Morrisons’ interest has also raised the question of what will take the place of the King Canute pub which also closed this year.

Mr Howard said: “There are so many rumours, will that also be another food store? I initially thought Morrisons were taking over that. Who knows what is going to happen.”