A well-established pub in Paglesham may close - and become a family home.

Sian Payne, 35, the owner of Punch Bowl Inn, at Paglesham Churchend, has applied to Rochford Council for a “change of use certificate” so she has the option to transform the building into a house where she can live with her husband and their three children.

Mrs Payne told the Echo how the decision has come about because they are struggling to make ends meet.

But the application has attracted a backlash from residents who claim she could kill off one of Paglesham’s main attractions. She said: “Of course I don’t want to close the pub because it has been me and my family’s dream to have our life doing this. I’m trying my best to keep it together.

“All I want is an option from council so if I close the business my family and I can live in the property”.

Mrs Payne runs the pub with her husband, Glenn, 40. When they bought it in September 2016 the couple had to spend £70,000 on repairs.

She added: “The whole property needs a revamp. We also spent a lot of money on promotions. Basically, it’s not working out. The location of the pub is not ideal. There’s no transport, no customer loyalty because we’re in the middle of no where.”

She added: “It was an awful day two days ago, we only made £30.” Mrs Payne submitted an application to Rochford Council in June, but it was rejected as the planning committee believed the closure of the pub would lead to job losses, and the loss of a tourist attraction.

Mrs Payne said keeping the pub is taking a toll on the family financially.

In response to the unemployment concersn, she said: “Most staff in the pub are stopgap for further education so there's a couple that will be affected. I do try to keep the business running.”

David Whittingham, chairman of Paglesham council, urged Rochford council help maintain one of Paglesham’s focal points. He commented: “It will be a loss of a village amenity. The pub has been there a long time. It’s one of the earliest buildings in the parish. It’s a local attraction for residents and tourists.” Case Officer Robert Davis at the council was contacted for a comment, but was unavailable.