A DEFIANT tea room owner has won the support of hundreds of people as she fights to keep her business open.

Nicola Littlejohn, 50, of Swan Street, Sible Hedingham, opened her pride and joy Violet the Vintage Caravan last October.

The mum-of-two took up cake decorating after she was left in a life-threatening condition following a brain haemorrhage before son William’s birth.

She pulled through but the ordeal also affected Nicola’s memory, making it impossible for her to return to an office job.

After making cupcakes for her son’s school fair, Nicola discovered her new passion which led to her opening the tea room.

The business is based in a caravan at her home, but Nicola could be forced to close it following complaints.

She said: “I received notification from Braintree Council they have received complaints from some residents in relation to additional traffic the tea room has caused and the additional footfall.

“They have said I need to apply for planning permission at a cost of almost £500 to continue operating, but that as it stands the complaints they have received may see my application being refused and the council will have no choice but to close me down.”

Devastated Nicola launched a petition to prove she has the support of residents to show in her planning application.

The petition has gone viral and already has more than 1,800 signatures.

Nicola added: “I don’t intend going down without a fight.

“I am proud of Violet’s. This was a new idea that has taken off better than I ever thought.

“I am proud I have been able to give jobs to some people who had lost their jobs to Covid and that I can also support other small businesses by purchasing my food from them.

“But what gives me the most pride is my amazing customers who come along time after time, not just for the food but to be a part of the Violet family.

“In the meantime I really hope if any of you do have any concerns or complaints that you come along and we can have a cuppa and a piece of cake and try to sort it out.”

To sign the petition, visit bit.ly/VioletTeaRoomPetition.