A MAJOR pub chain looks set to open a new venue behind a busy town high street next year.

Tory MP Mark Francois has declared Wetherspoons will open on the old market site, at the end of Market Lane, off Wickford High Street.

The chain has confirmed interest in the the site and say they are working with Basildon Council on the finer details.

Mr Francois said: “I am delighted we are now going to have a Wetherspoons pub in Wickford, on the old market site, which will hopefully open in a year or so from today.

“I have always liked Wetherspoons because they provide very good value for money in both food and drink and we already have a highly successful Wetherspoons called the Roebuck in Rayleigh High Street and I’d like to think that my constituency is going to have two such pubs in future, rather than just one.”

The announcement has been met with widespread delight, including from the Wickford Action Group and Wickford Independents councillors, who have pushed for the chain to come to town.

Martin Berry, 33, of Runwell Road, Wickford said: “I am not surprised as I know it’s been on the cards for some time now.

“I think it’ll be very busy and well received in the town centre and this will be a good place for it.

“We already have a good mix of restaurants and bars but this will definitely help to add to the mix that we already have in Wickford.

“I think it’s good to have a range of different businesses and helps the town’s economy.

“I would go there and enjoy the food and drink and I know a lot of people will do this also.”

Sheryl Cooper, 45, of Jersey Gardens, Wickford added: “I am very pleased with this and think that it’s about time.

“I hope this does go through very soon and we can have this open to the public as soon as next year as the MP says.

“I know Mr Francois has been pushing for this and has been working very hard to get this agreed and open in the town.

“It’s so great to see such a big name showing interest in Wickford.”

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We are very keen to open a pub in Wickford.

“We haven’t exchanged on the property yet, and therefore do not have any on site or projected opening dates.

“We had a further conference call yesterday with the council to try and resolve the outstanding issues and are waiting to hear back from the council.”

Basildon Council was contacted for comment on the plans but no comment was received.