Grand Hotel, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

Leigh's landmark building used to be a boisterous pub. It was much loved for its faded grandeur.

The Grand closed in December 2008, after 109 years, when the brewery went bust. Looters nicked all the period fittings before it could be boarded up.

In the overgrown beer garden out the back stands this statue of Discobolus.

Southend Council must this month decide whether to approve plans by Mick Norcross, he of reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex, to restore the Grand as a 'boutique hotel, restaurant and spa'.

It would be pretty stupid and short-sighted to turn down the proposal. They'll probably turn down the proposal.