WETHERSPOON bosses say they remain committed to the new £3 million Basildon site, despite putting up 32 pubs for sale.

The hospitality chain, which operates around 800 pubs across the UK, has said it has made a “commercial decision” to sell 32 of its pubs across England.

This comes after a previous warning it could face losses of up to £30 million.

Despite this news, bosses have insisted they still remain committed to shelling out £3 million on a site opposite the new Empire cinema in Basildon.

READ MORE >> Pub of the week: Last orders for Moon on the Square, Basildon

A spokesman told the Echo: “The sales of the pubs and Basildon are not linked at all.

“Wetherspoon is committed to the new Basildon pub.”

Official blueprints for the new pub are yet to be unveiled, and Wetherspoon would still need permission from Basildon Council before work can begin.

However, despite the company still remaining committed, they still remain tight lipped on when planning applications will be submitted.

When asked for dates by the Echo, a spokesman added: “We don’t have any dates regarding the planning application.”

Wetherspoon’s current pub in Basildon, called the Moon on the Square, officially closed its doors this week on September 25.

This is amid plans to replace it with a new block of flats.

In a statement, regarding the closures, a spokesman said the pubs will continue to operate until sold.

They said: “On occasion, Wetherspoon does put some of its pubs up for sale.

“This is a commercial decision.

'We understand that customers and staff will be disappointed with it.

“The pubs will continue to operate as Wetherspoon outlets until they are sold.”