AFTER consultation with council officials, plans by a recently reopened Thurrock pub to inflate a bouncy castle for kids have been cancelled!

The New Courtyard in Stanford-le-Hope has, however, passed other tests with flying colours and will be going ahead with a hog roast tomorrow (Saturday, 8 August).

Thurrock Nub News reported earlier this week on the reopening of the pub under new licensees and they told of their plans for a celebration event.

However, following intervention by some local residents, the plans have had to change.

The pub issued a statement thus afternoon saying: "Thank you to the local residents who quite rightly raised concerns with Thurrock Licensing and Environmental Health about our planned event on Saturday.

"Following telephone conversations with Licensing and visits today from Environmental Health we would like to inform you all, we have passed with flying colours and in fact have exceeded the guidance.

"However, with advice and recommendations from the COVID team at Environmental Health we have taken the hard decision to cancel the Bouncy Castle, your child's safety has to come first. The Pirate ship is still available as is the pig roast.

"We will be giving the children a free cone of sweets as a sorry from us.

"We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday."