ECHO readers have shared their sadness over the upcoming closure of the beloved Dick Turpin pub on the A127.

Known as a gathering spot for bikers, the longstanding pub will close its doors forever on July 8.

The establishment has felt severe financial strain in recent years, prompting EG Group to propose demolishing the pub and replacing it with a petrol station and drive-through coffee shop.

These plans, which were rejected by Basildon Council, were met with widespread outcry.

However, bosses behind the pub stated that "changing consumer habits" and the Covid pandemic meant the pub was no longer viable to run.

Echo readers have proudly shared memories of their times spent at the pub.

Sandy Bart commented on many nights spent with biker friends, while Michael Taylor expressed his gutted feeling over losing a great meeting spot for bike rides.

Paul Manuell and Linda Bacon reminisced about the "happy memories of times in that pub" and the "good old days of the Brighton Run".

Julie Ann Mckenzie rallied for Green King to step in and save the pub, claiming, "this is just so sad, amazing pub roast is lovely, I have been taking my service users there for years. Staff are always lovely. Come on Greene King, keep our favourite pub lunch open.

Also echoing the sentiment was Steve Alf Banks who said, "Sad news, mum and dad used to stop there before going into Southend."

Christopher Murphy added: "What a shame been there for years, we use to go regularly, it is a lovely old pub."

It is clear the loss of the Dick Turpin pub is to be deeply felt within the community.