Time has finally been called on a pub watering hole.

An application has been submitted to Maldon District Council to partly demolish the Rose and Crown Inn, in D’Arcy Road, Tolleshunt Knights, turn it into a house and build another four in the grounds.

Owners Paul and Valda Thorn want to retire and claim the pub and restaurant are no longer viable businesses, according to paperwork submitted to Maldon District Council.

They have supported the pub using their own money since 2008 as the pub last made a profit in 2007.