Plans to open a cafe on a barge in Leigh Old Town have been given the town council's seal of approval.

Businessman Ron Fraser wants to open the cafe on a vessel which is currently used as a workman's lunch room at the Jago Boatyard, in the High Street.

It would open from 7.30am to 9.30pm and provide somewhere for people to relax with expansive views of the Thames Estuary.

Members of Leigh Town Council's planning committee supported the idea and were happy to approve the change of use for the barge.

Jean Rowswell (Highlands) said: "I think it will be nice to sit there in the summer. Customers will park at the station and it will be for people walking along there. It will be nice to sit and have a cup of tea and a scone."

Peter Dolby (Thames) added: "I think it is a good idea this business should be open there at this time and at those hours.

"If we have a business like this open at this time it will attract people down there and may help with the anti-social behaviour problems in the old town."

However, some concerns were raised over a potential increase in traffic caused by patrons.

Donald Fraser (Herschell) said: "I would like to raise the possibility of traffic problems caused by people using the cafe and driving there."

Mr Fraser's reservations were not enough to stop the town council planning committee voting in favour of the scheme at their meeting on Tuesday night.

The condition was imposed that the barge should remain in its present location, within the boatyard.

Southend Council is due to make final decision on the plan by August 8.