PLANNING councillors in Thurrock have given the thumbs up to the latest plans by JD Wetherspoons who want to convert the derelict former State cinema into a new showcase pub.

The saga of the building and Wetherspoons' ambition for the building has dragged on and on for years but the company say they are now keen to press ahead and put forward a listing buildings application and a revised planning application to tonight's {Thursday, 15 July) meeting of the planning committee.

Both were approved unanimously and councillors expressed their support for the project.

Cllr Sue Little said: "I will be supporting this it's going to be great for Grays and it's the only way to save the building," while Cllr Steve Liddiard said: "I've been waiting 20 years for this to happen and the sooner it happens the better."

Cllr Georgette Polley summed up the meeting in the room, saying: "his is a flagship building in Grays town centre and we should give it the love it deserves."