AN Essex village shop has been given permission to re-open after the proposal was met with mixed views.

Sivarajah Thenushan, who has run small stores for around a decade, has been given the greenlight to re-launch the former Post Office in Burnham Road, Althorne.

Maldon District Council's licensing sub-committee discussed the plans on April 22. They then went away to make their decision and have now agreed to grant the license to Mr Thenushan for the new business.

The plans have been met with mixed views. At the meeting, a worried neighbour raised fears about a repeat of previous arson and antisocial behaviour at the site before the site was owned by its current owners.

Following the decision, others welcomed the new business. Resident Andy Green, 41, said: "It's got to be good for the village and area. We need this here and I am sure it's a very good thing. It will also help with all the new homes being built here. I understand the concerns, but I can't see any negative at all.

It will be called the Althorne Store and be open from 6am to 11pm everyday. The license also allows for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises at these times. Back in June 2018, Jeyam's Supermarket, the former occupier of the site closed along with the Post Office. There are no plans for the Post Office to return to the village.

The plans also state deliveries will be carried out "at such time or in such a manner as to prevent nuisance or disturbance to nearby residents."

On social media, dozens posted their support for the new shop in the village. One resident said: "It sounds very positive to me. It can see it being very busy and popular. We need more businesses, and it will be very convenient."

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