A BID which would allow Tiptree’s Jam-makers to transform one of Colchester’s most historic buildings will be heard next month.

Almost exactly 12 months ago, Wilkin & Sons applied to Colchester Council to turn Tymperleys, the 16th century building once used as a clock museum, into a tea room.

In February, the council announced the Tiptree family firm had submitted the best application to take the building over on a 20-year lease.

But three months later, the Gazette revealed the landowner who owned the archway and passage to it was refusing to allow the authority access through it.

Now, Colchester Council has applied to the Land Registry to turn the passage into a public right of way.

See Tuesday's Gazette for the full story