WETHERSPOONS has confirmed its sights are firmly set on Canvey...but the chain will not be taking over the King Canute.

The Echo revealed earlier this week how residents had launched a campaign calling on the firm to take over the landmark pub on Canvey Road.

While Wetherspoons did enter talks with London-based property developer Foundation Property and Capital, which bought theKing Canute from the Stonegate Pub Company for £630,000 more than a year ago, a deal was not brokered.

However, the chain is still determined to move on to the island–and revealed it is looking at another mystery site.

Dave Blackwell, leader of the Canvey Independent Party, admitted he was in the dark about any potential site, but excited nonetheless.

He said: “Wetherspoons always takes over old buildings, they rarely build new pubs. The Wetherspoons in Southend is outstanding. They are good value for money and real family pubs.

“It will be nice to have a famous brand on Canvey and I think it will lift it a bit.”

Richard Bannister, 38, of LeighRoad, Canvey, who started the online petition, which now has more than 400 signatures calling for a Wetherspoons, added: “This island needs a family pub and a Wetherspoons isn’t likely to attract much trouble.”

However, veteran Tory borough and county councillor Ray Howard admitted he was disappointed.

He added: “I will watching very closely because I don’t understand why Wether-spoons aren’t interested in the King Canute. It’s in the right location.”

Wetherspoons already has businesses in Weston Road, Southend, London Road, Leigh, Frobisher Way, Shoebury, Rayleigh High Street, Market Square, Basildon, and Billericay High Street.

Eddie Gershon, spokesman for Wetherspoons, confirmed the firm’s interest in Canvey, and revealed secret talks were already taking place concerning another site on the island.

He said: “We appreciate the fact locals on Canvey are backing a Wetherspoons pub in the town.

“Wecan confirm we were looking at the former King Canute, but that is no longer the case.

“However, Wetherspoons has entered into talks about another site in the town, although this is in the very early stages at present.

“We’re extremely keen to open a pub on Canvey and hope that this comes to fruition in the near future.”