NEW plans have been submitted to Thurrock Council by pub group JD Wetherspoon which proposes to turn the former State cinema in Grays into pub.

Plans have previously been submitted and approved but there was concern about whether the move would go ahead.

Now Wetherspoon has changed its designs and submitted a new application.

A statement from Thurrock Council says: "Thurrock Council welcomes this progress towards the development of a bar in the heart of Grays which will create new jobs and help support Thurrock's economic recovery."

Cllr Mark Coxshall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "I am delighted Wetherspoon have now submitted new applications. These have been validated this week and will be going out to public consultation imminently.

"There has been a great deal of work behind the scenes to get this project back on track and ensure the State is returned to its former glory at the heart of Grays Town Centre.

"This is great news for the regeneration of Grays, for the economy of the borough, and shows that despite the hardship of the last 14 months Thurrock is still open for business."

Plans include changing the use of the George Street building from a cinema to a public house, a new beer garden and will see the iconic building fully refurbished.

A JD Wetherspoon spokesperson said: "We are as keen as ever to open our pub in Grays.

"We believe that the pub will be a great asset to the area and also a perfect opportunity to restore one of the town's best known buildings."