A COFFEE chain is set to open a new outlet in Wickford after controversially replacing a charity shop.

Costa Coffee will be moving into the St Luke’s Hospice shop, in the High Street, by next spring if plans are approved.

A planning application is due to be submitted soon and the move comes after the private landlord served the charity with notice earlier this year after Costa came in with a higher offer on the lease.

At the time, Costa told the Echo it had no firm plans for Wickford, but has now told residents it plans to open in 2015.

The hospice shop was originally told to move out by August, but has negotiated to stay for longer.

David Emery, head of trading, said: “We have negotiated a temporary extension to the lease on our shop at 32/34 High Street, Wickford, so we are pleased to say this means it’s business as usual here for the next fewmonths.

“We are looking for alternative premises in the town and are hopeful of finding somewhere suitable, though it’s unlikely to be in such a prominent position.

“We have been overwhelmed by messages of support given to us at what has been a difficult and uncertain time and want to thank everyone for their kindness. We will be keeping people informed as soon as our situation changes, meanwhile, our shop manager Jackie, and her team, will be delighted to serve customers and receive donated items for sale.”

All staff and volunteers are being kept on by St Luke’s and will be offered shifts in one of the charity’s other nine shops.

The Wickford store, which opened in 1997, specialises in furniture, clothes, books, DVDs, CDs and jewellery.