STANFORD-le-Hope is set to lose a flower shop, but may gain a dentist's surgery.

An application has been submitted to Thurrock Council for a change of use for the shop currently occupied by Eden Florists on the town's High Street.

The florists say they which to vacate the premises to cut their overheads and are to hand over the lease to the dentists subject to planning approval.

The application says the shop will be ideal for a dentist's surgery because of the excellent transport links, high population and busy footfall.

The applicant, Dr C. Rafian from New Barnet, adds: "Florist shops have continued to decline in High Streets because of competition from supermarkets."