Security bollards could be erected around a supermarket after it was smashed into and structurally destabilised with a digger.

Permission has been sought from Epping Forest District Council to erect six anti-ram-raid bollards at the corner of the Tesco Express in Theydon Bois.

The metal poles would provide a perimeter around the shop's ATM, hopefully providing it with protection.

In the early hours of October 26 last year a red Manitou digger stolen from a nearby farm was crashed into the front of the Tesco store on Coppice Row.

While it was thought the group fled after extracting the ATM, it transpires the cash machine was never taken.

A police presence remained near the shop for several weeks to protect the cash machine and secure the premises, which surveyors were checking for stability.

The shop has yet to reopen.

Before Christmas Tesco chairman John Allan promised its architects would design permanent repair plans and update the ATM's housing to make it more secure.