AN Aveley cafe which has survived being clouted by lorries on more than one occasion could soon be replaced by a takeaway.

On behalf of Mehmet Alakrk, owner of the Aveley Master Chef coffee shop, an application has been submitted to revamp the premises at 60 High Street.

The changes will include an interior refurbishment to create a seating area and it is said the change of use will complement other uses in the area providing a valuable amenity to the residents and visitors alike.

It will also provide more active frontage onto High Street and will generate new job opportunities for local people and contribute to the economy says the applicant.

The property sits on the junction with Ship Lane which has become a pinchpoint for large HGVs illegally making their way through the village to South Ockendon.

In one such incident when a lorry got stuck in December 2018 the cafe was struck and damaged by a large vehicle, with cafe users who had been sitting outside narrowly avoiding being hurt.