WETHERSPOONS wants to come to Wickford, the pub chain has confirmed.

Following a call for answers, from Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, the company has admitted it is in negotiations for a site.

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We have provided an update to Mark Francois MP.

“We are as keen to open a pub in Wickford as he is.

“We believe it will be a great asset to the town and also act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest there.

“At present we are still in negotiations on the property.

“There are still a few queries to resolve, before we can move forward.”

Mr Francois met with pub chain chairman Tim Martin at a recent Brexit related event.

The MP said: “There has been something of a buzz around Wickford about the possibility of a new Wetherspoons, which I suspect might be quite popular with my constituents.

“However, these things often tend to drag on a bit and so having met Tim recently I thought I would take the opportunity to drop him a line to see where things sit.

“I am sure my constituents will be interested to know the answer, so as soon as I receive it – unless there is anything commercially confidential in the response – then I will plan to put it up on my Facebook page so that all the townsfolk will have a better understanding of when this new pub is likely to be actually open for business.

“Combined with the recent opening of the ‘Posh Boys’ Brewery and Tap Room just next to Aldi, this shows that Wickford is on the up.”

This is not the only pub chain eyeing up a site in Wickford.

Marston’s is planning to open on land north of Radwinter Avenue.

A public consultation was carried out over the plans in February and some residents raised concerns over the increased levels of traffic and amount of noise a new development would bring.

A petition was launched, with more than 190 signatures urging Basildon Council not to proceed with the plans however discussions are ongoing.

Other residents have welcomed discussions about a greater range of options in the town.

Barry Gardener, 44, said: “It would be good to have more choice in the town. A lot of people want to see this be opened.”