THE long running saga over the future of the landmark Grand Hotel looks set to rumble on after the community launched a campaign to buy and restore it.

Mick Norcross, the current owner of the former pub, in Leigh Broadway, threw in the towel after his plans to redevelop the building into flats, a bar and a gym were turned down by Southend Council’s development control committee last week.

The Only Way is Essex star Mick Norcross cited an inability to deal with council planners over his decision to put the Grand on the market.

A website and Facebook group, The Grand Again Leigh-on-Sea, has since been launched to buy the venue for the community.

The site, which already has more than 1,000 followers, reads: “This is basically raising capital through community share offer as investment in a cooperative pub that’s run by the people of Leigh for the people in perpetuity for the town.

“All profits will be split between the community investors, any commercial loan and the maintenance and upkeep of the building.”

Community members and Leigh Town councillors had been keen to see the dilapidated building renovated.

The crumbling building has been a target for vandals and there are fears arsonists could strike at the site.

Leigh Town councillor Caroline Parker urged Mr Norcross to appeal the council’s decision - saying there was good reason to believe he could be successful.

She said: “I ‘m surprised that Mick Norcross hasn’t said he is going to appeal.

“I would really urge him to do so as I think he stands a very good chance of succeeding in an appeal.”