A JD Wetherspoon chain pub is one of two which could soon open in Wickford.

The Echo understands the firm is considering a site near Gibraltar Walk.

Former Wickford Independent councillors David Harrison and Alan Ball announced Basildon Council was in advanced negotiations with the firm, and with Marston’s Inns and Taverns about another site in the town.

While the council would not confirm the sites an Echo investigation discovered one of the likely locations as Gibraltar Walk.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “The policy and resources committee approved the disposal of two sites in Wickford for appropriate food, beverage and hotel accommodation to meet the council’s regeneration aims for Wickford.

“Negotiations are ongoing and as soon as they are concluded a formal announcement will be made with all details made available.”

Mr Ball, who had been chairman of the council’s regeneration and environment committee until last week gave some insight into the potential deals.

He said: “I know negotiations are quite advanced and Marston’s especially want to come to the town.

“People will realise we were not sitting about doing nothing and it is going to be a great thing for the town.”

Fellow Wickford councillor David Harrison was also positive about the plans.

He said: “There are two names that are going to be coming to Wickford should they not be stopped.

“Mr Ball and I were quite involved in the proposal.

“I was hoping we could get them done before the elections but it all depends on planning consent.

“I cannot say at this time where they are going to be but it is proposed to be put on the other side of the market, near to London Road.

“We worked hard to get things like this into the town.

“The economy in Wickford is going to be reliant on these kinds of industry in the future.”

The Echo has contacted both Marston’s PLC and JD Wetherspoons for comment.

They were asked to confirm their interest in the town, what locations they were considering and when they were set to open.

JD Wetherspoon declined to comment at this time and Marston’s did not respond to questions regarding the two proposed sites.