A MUM-OF-ONE is overjoyed after she and her business have been given a second lifeline, after being told previously to close.

Nicola Littlejohn, from Sible Hedingham, has managed to keep her business alive, following a previous shut down due to planning permission issues with Braintree Council.

Nicola runs Violet the Vintage Caravan, a 1950s-inspired tea room based out of a caravan on the driveway of her home.

It opened during the 2020 lockdown and although it only started with Nicola, she later hired staff due to increasing demand.

Braintree Council’s planning committee refused to allow permission for the café to stay operating on January 11.

This was due to issues such as parking and lack of extraction ventilation in the kitchen.

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However, Nicola has since acquired a new space, at the White Lion Pub in the village.

She said: “I spoke to landlords Ian and Yvonne when all the issues stared happening and went back to them once I had to close.

“I will be serving takeaways from the caravan in the car park, and using an empty space with a kitchen in the back of the pub.

“I even managed to get a few of my staff back that I previously had to let go of.

“I cannot thank the two of them enough, they have been amazing and are helping me to set up too.”

Nicola was devastated after thinking she had to close, as the business meant she could look after her son, William.

She said: “My son has autism, and this was a great business for me personally, as it means I can be there for him.

“This is great as I can still be at home in time for William for school, the pub is only two mins down the road, it really is the perfect scenario.”

“The response has been overwhelming, I have had thousands of likes on social media and some lovely private messages, the whole thing is just amazing.

Nicola and Violet will be restarting up on February 9, and opening 9am to 4pm from Wednesday to Sundays, alongside some special events.