A COMMUNITY is divided over plans to build a giant JD Wetherspoon pub in their town.
The pub, famous for cheap alcohol and meals, wants to take over the former post office on Maldon high street.
Maldon Town Council gave its backing to the plans on Monday night but traders and residents are at odds with the decision.
Some believe that the arrival of a national brand will pull in more business, but others say it will "cripple" the town's much-loved independent trade.
Mark Salisbury, who runs Continental Cafe with his wife, Andrea, said: "Some small businesses will close and jobs will be lost.
"It opens up opportunities for other chains to come to town and we don't want to become a small version of Chelmsford.
"If they must open why don't they just take over an existing pub?"
A local publican, who didn't want to be named, said the pub could kill off his own business if Maldon District Council ratifies the decision.
"I'd give it two to three months," he said. "We're already not taking home a working wage and a Wetherspoon in the town would cripple us."
But others believe the refurbishment of the Grade II listed building, which currently stands empty, could boost high street trade.
Mary Powell, owner of The Emporium on the high street, said: "As a trader I would rather have a vibrant business there than an empty building.
"JD Wetherspoon is a good brand and although I take pride in our independent businesses we need a good mix here."
There are others who believe that the space should be used for community projects.
Colin Baldy, the chairman of the Maldon Arts Festival, said: "I have suggested to the company that if they wanted community support that they should include a pub theatre in the property but they rejected it outright.
"I believe firmly that the building should be a community space but we can't raise the large sum of money they're asking for it."
Following concerns about noise, JD Wetherspoon has omitted a beer garden from their proposals.
Their plans were put to the town council on Monday and passed without objection.
Town Councillor Stephen Savage said: "I feel that Wetherspoons can set a good example of how to run an establishment properly.
"I also welcome any company that can put in a £1.5 million investment to make it work.
"There are a lot of people angry about the behaviour of existing outlets and their customers.
"But this can't be used against JD Wetherspoon – they're not here yet. I just think it's healthy competition for the town."
Maldon District Council will have the final say on the proposals on February 20.
