CANVEY’S historic King Canute pub will be turned into a Co-op, despite concerns the island already has too many supermarkets.

A licensing notice for the supermarket chain has now gone up outside the empty pub in Canvey Road.

A spokesman for the Co-op confirmed a store would be opening, but was unable to say when or howmany jobs will be created.

The spokesman said: “Yes, I can confirm we are planning to open a store on that site. It is in the very early stages.

“We have a clear vision to be the best local food retailer in the UK and over the coming years our main focus will be to develop our existing convenience store business.”

Co-op already has stores in Linden Way and in Long Road.

Ray Howard, councillor for Canvey West, is not particularly impressed with the move.

He said: “I think it’s very upsetting.

“I’m concerned about the small shopkeepers in Canvey village.

When these stores go up there’s only a certain amount of business and these people have served the community for years.

“I’m very disappointed there seems to be this action from supermarkets and price cuttings, it means local businesses have to put their prices up just to pay their staff.

“It could have been something like a pub where families could go for a cheap meal and provide a real facility for the community.”

The King Canute pub, which was used as a base for the Armed Forces during the 1953 floods, served its final customers on May 19.

A local florist, who did not wish to be named, said: “The area doesn’t need a Co-op or any other small supermarket. It’s going to affect local trade. If they start selling flowers then we will be affected.”

Dave Blackwell, county councillor for Canvey, said: “Everyone was hoping it would be a Beefeater, or a Harvester.

“Although I welcome the fact the building will be saved, I’ve had to make complaints to the council, the site was unsecured, there were kids playing over there.

“It’s not what we wanted. We have enough supermarkets.”

THE Co-op announcement comes just weeks after Morrisons revealed it would be turning the Silver Jubilee pub into an M Local convenience store.

Owner Punch Taverns closed the pub in Hilton Road in July.

Morrisons applied for a new premises licence from Castle Point Council and plans for the new shop front and car park are also due to be considered.

Former landlady Joanne Cramp and her family of five were forced to move out when the pub closed its doors on July 19.

Mrs Cramp said: “The island doesn’t need any more supermarkets.

It’s crazy. We have a big Morrisons, and a big Sainsbury’s and two Co-ops already.

“At this end of the island, apart from the Lobster Smack, there are no proper pubs. I’ve spoken to some of my old customers and they are lost and I should think it will be the same for the Canute regulars.”