THE founder and owner of the Wetherspoon pub chain is 'keen as mustard' to get plans to turn the State cinema in Thurrock back on track.

As Christmas as come and gone, hopes that the festive season would have seen the refurbished building open for business have been dashed.

And it seems there may be many more hours of wrangling in Thurrock council offices before new plans are approved.

But borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price has told how she recently met JD Wetherspoon's enigmatic owner Tim Martin and she says he is determined to get the venue open as soon as possible.

Ms Doyle-Price says: "I have met with Tim Martin to discuss plans for the State.

"He is as keen as mustard to get the State back in use.

"The heritage of the building requires lots of planning consents and this is taking longer than anyone would wish.

"Nonetheless his commitment to opening a Wetherspoons in Grays is very clear.

"There is growing interest in investing in our town centre and taken together there is real potential to deliver transformation.

"I look forward to working with all those who wish to see genuine improvements to our town."

A spokesperson for Wetherspoon says: "There are some issues to sort with the council and we are meeting with them in January.

"We are still as keen as ever to open the pub on the site."

A Thurrock Council spokesperson said: "The council continues to support plans to develop the site of the old State Cinema on George Street and are actively engaging with JD Wetherspoon to bring forward this development.

"However, due to alterations to the scheme previously permitted by the Council that the developer now wants to make, there is a need for them to seek a new permission and ensure the support of Historic England."

Mark Coxshall, lead councillor for regeneration in Thurrock, said: "As I am sure residents will understand conversion works to such an iconic building are complex and JD Wetherspoon are in discussion with the council as to how best to strike the right balance between their needs and the protection of the listed building which is managed by Historic England.

"Planning permission and Listed Building Consent has been granted to facilitate the conversion and we will work hard with them and Historic England to help ensure this building is brought back into use sympathetically.

"The redevelopment of the State Cinema is an vital part of £200 million investment set to take place in Grays which will create new and enhanced public spaces in the town centre including a shopping centre and new housing.

"Grays Town Centre is set to be transformed with redevelopment stretching from the river to the very heart of the town. "The council has already secured £12m government local growth funding to help deliver the new walk through at Grays Railway Station with up to £47m additional Grays town centre funding to come in the near future."